Council tax bills will be rising by 4.9 per cent this April
Council tax bills are rising in April by 4.9 per cent on average for households across England, which is surpassing current inflation rates. This will see the average Band D bill rising by £111, but several councils have been given government permission to introduce even bigger hikes to improve their financial position.
While bills rise, some households may not realise they could be reducing their costs by applying for council tax reductions, support and discounts. There is no set amount of council tax reduction, and the eligibility criteria can differ from council to council, but there are four main groups that will likely qualify for support.
Low income
Council tax reduction is built to support households on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. What you need to qualify for the support and how much of a reduction you will get can depend on your local council’s rules.
The Gov.uk website has a postcode checker that can direct people to their local council’s tax reduction and support schemes. The support can reduce council tax bills by up to 100 per cent.
Factors that can affect your eligibility and how much reduction you get:
- Your income, savings and pensions
- Who you live with
- How much council tax you pay
- Your age
- What benefits you claim
- If you are disabled
- If you are a carer
- If you have children
Benefits
Many means-tested benefits qualify for council tax support, but this will also differ from council to council. This can include Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance
People with disabilities or caring duties may also qualify for different council tax reductions and discounts. This can rely on them claiming certain benefits to use as proof of their circumstances when applying for the reduction, such as Carer’s Allowance or Personal Independence Payments.
Living alone
If a person is living on their own, they will usually be entitled to the single-person council tax discount. This can knock 25 per cent off their bill but it’s not applied automatically, people need to claim the discount and keep the council updated on their living arrangements.
To qualify, you must be the only person over the age of 18, that isn’t otherwise disregarded for council tax purposes, living in the property as your main home. If someone else moves into the home and you fail to update your council, you may receive a penalty.
Disregarded people
Some people are not counted for council tax purposes, this is known as being disregarded. It means the household may still be eligible for the single-person discount or a higher reduction even if there are other people living in the property.
Disregarded people include those who are:
- Under 18
- On certain apprentice schemes
- 18 or 19 years old and in full-time education
- Full-time student at college or university
- Under 25 years old and get funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- Student nurse
- Foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
- Severely mentally impaired
- Live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18
- Diplomat
If everyone in the household is disregarded, you can get 50% off your council tax bill, but if one person is still counted, then the 25 per cent single person discount will apply. More information and eligibility criteria can be found on the Gov.uk website.
