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
Applying for Local Council Tax Support
You can apply for Local Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit online.
Apply for Local Council Tax Support
Further information about Local Council Tax Support
Watch our Local Council Tax Support video
Local Council Tax Support Policy (PDF, 1.37MB)
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