Council Tax

If you're finding it difficult to meet your household costs, you're living on a lower income, or meet certain eligibility criteria, your local council may offer discounts, exemptions or support schemes that could reduce your Council Tax bill.

Money off your Council Tax

You may be entitled to get help with your Council Tax bill without realising. 

You may qualify for support if you're:

• receiving benefits
• on a low income
• live alone
• are a student
• care for someone
• or have other circumstances that affect your eligibility. 

The support available depends on your local council and you should check with them. Check your local council's website to find out more and apply.

Help if you're in Council Tax arrears or debt

Council Tax is a priority debt. That means missing Council Tax payments can have serious consequences. In some cases, councils can take steps to recover the money owed, which may lead to additional charges or enforcement action.

If you're worried about paying your bill, contact your local council straight away. They may be able to work with you to find a manageable way forward.

You will need to tell them how much you can afford to pay. You can use the Money Helper budget planner to help you work out how much you can afford or you can contact a debt advice service for help.

Find template letters to help you write to your local authority on National Debtline.

If you are in Council Tax arrears, you may be eligible for a 60-day period of protection during which your creditors can’t add interest or fees to your debts and can’t take enforcement action, known as a 'Breathing Space'. The Breathing Space scheme can ease some of the pressures of dealing with debts and give you time to access debt advice or improve your financial situation by accessing benefits or financial support.

Further information and support for dealing with Council Tax arrears is available from StepChange or Citizens Advice.