Council Tax

If you're on a low income, your local council may have ways to help you reduce the amount of Council Tax you pay.

Money off your Council Tax

If you’re claiming Universal Credit or other benefits, you might be able to get your Council Tax reduced. Some local councils run Council Tax Reduction schemes for people who have low incomes.

You can claim a discount on your Council Tax if you live alone. If you’re the only adult in your home, you’ll get a 25 per cent discount on your Council Tax bill.

You might also be able to claim a discount if you live with someone under 18, if you are a student or you live with a student, if you’re a carer, or if there are major changes to your home’s value. How much discount you get will depend on where you live, as each council runs its own scheme. 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. This means the consequences of not paying it are greater than the consequences of not paying other types of bills.

If you miss a Council Tax payment, you may become liable to pay the whole year’s Council Tax at once, depending on what local authority area you are in. You may also be subject to bailiff action.

If you fall behind on your Council Tax payments, you should contact your local council as soon as possible to try and arrange a payment plan with them. Don’t wait for them to contact you.

You will need to tell them how much you can afford to pay. You can use the budget tool from the National Debtline to help you work out how much you can afford or you can contact a debt advice service for help.

Template letters that you can use to write to your local authority are available from StepChange.

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.