The Council Tax Reduction (CTR) schemes reduce the amount of Council Tax that low income households have to pay to the council.
When the national Council Tax Benefit (CTB) scheme was abolished in April 2013 all councils had the freedom to design their own schemes for working age households, although the rules for pensioners remained the same. The Council continues to provide help with Council Tax via the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Funding is received from the government to support this scheme. However, the amount we receive has been reduced over recent years.
This means the council has had to make some very difficult decisions about the amount of help it can make available to residents on low income. Over the last few years it has become necessary to cut the level of support that the council has been able to afford. Following a public consultation during Winter 2024, further changes have been agreed to the scheme for 2025-26.
Most working age households that receive Council Tax Reduction (CTR) will have to a make a contribution towards their full council tax liability for their property. Further details are below.
Pensioner households receiving CTR will continue to be protected from the changes to the scheme, under government regulations.
Some care leavers under the age of 25 could have their council tax reduced to zero.
Changes introduced for Working Age claimants from 1st April 2025
Minimum Payment Increase
The minimum amount of Council Tax that claimants need to pay, after their Council Tax Reduction has been applied, has increased from 23% to 60%. This will mean that you will have to pay more Council Tax. Your new Council Tax bill will show the new amounts you are required to pay.
Band C Limit
For properties in a Band D or above, Council Tax Reduction will only be calculated as if the property is a Band C.
Standard Deductions for Non-Dependants
The deductions for non-dependant adults in the household will be at a standard weekly rate of £5.00 per non-dependant adult, regardless of their income. The only exception for working age cases is where claimant and/or partner are in receipt of PIP daily living/DLA Care, then no charge will apply.
Removal of Alternative Maximum Council Tax Reduction
This has been removed for all Working Age claimants.
Details on how to apply for Council Tax Reduction or report a change in your circumstances are below:
