Local Council Tax Support

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• you are below state pension age
• you have less than £10,000 in savings or capital (including property, shares, or investments)

Since 1 April 2024 we have been using an income-banded scheme to work out how much help you receive. You could receive up to 90% off your Council Tax bill.

Apply for Council Tax Support

How the banded scheme works (working age)

Your support amount depends on:

1. Your household status:

   • single
   • single with 1 child
   • single with 2 or more children
   • a couple
   • a couple with 1 child
   • a couple with 2 or more children

2. Your net weekly income (joint income if you're a couple)

3. Non-dependants in your home:

   • £5 is deducted for each person over 18 (unless they receive a passported benefit)

How income is treated

Some of your income may not be counted when working out your total weekly income, including:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independent Payments
• Child Benefit
• Child Maintenance
• War Pension and War Disablement Benefits
• Support component of Employment and Support Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance

If you, your partner, or a dependent child receives DLA or PIP, up to £40 per week may be ignored.

How other income is treated

• earnings: £25 per week is ignored
• self-employed: A minimum income floor applies after 52 weeks (based on 35 hours at national living wage)
• childcare costs:
  • if on Universal Credit: childcare element is ignored
  • if not on Universal Credit: up to £175/week for 1 child or £300/week for 2 children may be offset, depending on your income and childcare provider
• Universal Credit: We ignore the Limited Capability for Work, Carer, Disabled Child, Childcare Elements, part of the Housing Element and transitional protection.

How much support will I get?

Your total weekly income (after disregards) and household size will determine your reduction.The table below shows what reduction you will be entitled to:

Read the full Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026/27