Council Tax Support is a local means tested scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay their council tax. Any owner-occupier or tenant aged 18 or over who is legally responsible for the council tax can claim Council Tax Support.
Council Tax Support Scheme changes [PDF, 102KB]
Council Tax Support Scheme 2018 to 2019 [PDF, 1.1MB]
Council Tax Support Scheme 2017 to 2018 [PDF, 1.1MB]
How much you can claim
Use the benefit calculator to find out what you can claim.
Calculate your Council Tax Support
How to apply
You can apply for Council Tax Support whether you're unemployed or working. It could help to reduce the amount of council tax that you need to pay.
If you need help with your application please contact us on 01752 668000. Please have the reference number of your application form to hand.
How we make our decision
The amount of Council Tax Support you can get is based on:
- your income
- your savings
- your circumstances
Please tell us if your circumstances change (in writing) within one month so we can look at our decision and see if your payment needs to be changed.
Second Adult Rebate
Second Adult Rebate is Council Tax Support that is available for people who are responsible for the council tax, have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit and who share their home with one or more adults (non-dependants) who:
- are 18 or over and not paying you rent
- aren't your partner
- aren't responsible for paying the council tax
- are on a low income
You can't apply for Second Adult Rebate if you or your partner receive Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. If you're not sure whether to claim Second Adult Rebate, make a claim for full Council Tax Support and we'll check your entitlement.
How to appeal
If you disagree with a Council Tax Support decision you need to write to us (within one month of the date of the decision letter) and ask either for a letter explaining our decision, us to look at our decision again or for an independent appeals tribunal to look at the decision.
View your Council Tax Support online
Use Self Service to view your payments online. It's free and available 24 hours a day!
View your account on Self Service
Once you've set up an account you'll be able to view any payments made to you, see how your payment has been calculated and view documents we've sent to you. Have your entitlement letter and national insurance number ready.
Problems with your account
Use our online form to report a problem with your Self Service account. This includes logging into your account or any security or technical issues you find.
Changes to your circumstances
See our changes to your circumstances affecting benefits page to report any changes. Please tell us as soon as possible, as the change may mean that you're eligible for more Council tax Support.