Discretionary Council Tax Relief / Section 13A

If you are struggling to meet your Council Tax instalments, or have arrears, further information regarding debt recovery is available here.

Section 13A (1c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 allows the Council to reduce the amount of Council Tax payable where national discounts and exemptions cannot be applied.

When deciding whether to grant a reduction in liability, the Council will consider each application based on individual circumstances, for example grounds of exceptional financial hardship or, through no fault of their own, have experienced a crisis or event that has made their property inhabitable.

All persons liable to pay Council Tax to Dudley MBC can apply including:

• Owner occupiers
• Tenants
• Persons acting on behalf of a liable person, e.g. an appointee/someone with power
• Capital and savings must be less than £3,000

To make an application you need to complete an application form detailing household income, expenditure, outstanding debts, and capital in support of the application.

You will also need to demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to meet the full Council Tax Liability, for example applications for employment or additional employment, or that you have claimed all benefits and any discounts you may be entitled to in order to maximise your income.

You will need to provide your previous 2 months bank statements as part of the application process, as well as evidence of outstanding debts, and evidence of your earnings.

Upon receipt of a completed application form and bank statements, further evidence may be required, if it is we will contact you.

If you are successful, any amount payable will be limited up to the maximum Band Liability, in line with the Council Tax Reduction scheme. For 2025-26 financial year, this Band Limitation is a Band C.

You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your application.

You can apply by completing the application form below: