Brits should check whether they qualify for a council tax discount. If you meet one of three specific criteria, you could be entitled to a reduction on your payments.
Council tax is set by your local authority and funds services including refuse collection and highway maintenance. The sum you’re liable for depends on your property’s valuation band and the council district in which you reside.
However, not all households are obliged to pay the full amount. Citizens Advice explains that certain individuals are eligible for what is known as council tax reduction (CTR).
Citizens Advice states: “If you’re on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced. If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by.
“Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re entitled to council tax reduction (CTR). They will then work out your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay.
“If you have other people living with you who are aged 18 or over, you might all be responsible for paying council tax. Only one of you needs to apply for CTR.”
It’s vital to note that if you’re awarded CTR, you won’t typically receive an actual payment. Rather, the council will reduce the amount of council tax you’re required to pay. Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is divided into two categories — working age and State Pension age — with eligibility for the former differing depending on your local council.
To establish whether you qualify for a reduction, you should contact your local council directly. However, according to Citizens Advice, you may be entitled to CTR if you are responsible for the council tax bill and receive any of the following three types of benefits:
Should you share your home with another adult who is not your partner, your maximum council tax reduction could be reduced, as they are expected to contribute towards the bill — this is referred to as a ‘non-dependent deduction’. Even if you do not receive these benefits, you can still apply for CTR provided you have a low income and less than £16,000 in capital.
Furthermore, you may be entitled to a 25 per cent discount on your council tax bill if you:
- Live alone
- Or, everyone else in your home is “disregarded”
Certain individuals are deemed “disregarded” and therefore exempt from paying council tax, including: those under 18, apprentices, full-time students at college or university, student nurses, foreign language assistants registered with the British Council, those who are severely mentally impaired, live-in carers looking after someone who is not their partner, spouse, or child under 18, or diplomats — all of whom may qualify for an exemption.