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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Colchester Borough Council is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to take action to minimise disruption and keep residents and visitors safe. 

Coronavirus: updates, advice and guidance

Local Council Tax Support

If you are on low income and are eligible for other benefits then you may be able to get help with your Council Tax bill.

IN THIS ARTICLE

  • What Local Council Tax Support is.
  • What factors are taken into consideration when deciding whether you are eligible for Local Council Tax Support.
  • What key features apply if you are eligible.
  • How to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

If you are on a low income or claim other benefits your Council Tax bill could be reduced through a scheme called Local Council Tax Support (LCTS).

You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.

Your eligibility and how much your bill is reduced by depends on:

  • your circumstances (eg income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
  • your household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
  • if your children live with you
  • if other adults live with you

If you are entitled to Local Council Tax Support these key features will apply: 

  • All working age applicants pay a minimum of 20% of their Council Tax bill.
  • The first £25 per week that people earn is not taken into account when calculating LCTS.
  • Back to Work Support provides help to long-term unemployed residents who secure employment by giving them four weeks of Extended Reduction to their Council Tax.
  • The maximum period a claim for LCTS can be back dated is one month.
  • There is a flat rate non-dependant deduction of £12 regardless of income or savings.
  • Child Benefit is included as income, whereas Child Maintenance is disregarded, when calculating entitlement.
  • There is a £2.00 per week minimum level of entitlement.
  • If you reside in a property that is in Council Tax band D, or above, you will still receive support but to a maximum of band D

You can apply for LCTS and Housing Benefit online. The application is in two parts. The first is a calculator which can give you an idea of what you may be entitled to. The second part allows you to make a claim.

Apply for Local Council Tax Support

Local Council Tax Support Policy

Click here to watch our LCTS video

Related Articles
Info - Housing Benefit
What type of benefit/support do I need?
How to Report Fraud
My Details/Circumstances have changed
Overpayments
Support for you and your child/children
The Benefit Cap and Changes to Benefits

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