Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026-27

Overview

Council Tax Support is a discount to help people with low incomes pay their Council Tax. The amount of help you get depends on your household income, but it can be up to 85% off bills. The scheme started in 2013, replacing the old Council Tax Benefit scheme, but government funding for Council Tax Support has been reduced over the past few years. Currently, almost 19,000 residents in our borough qualify for help, and this costs the council £21.6 million a year.

Every year, the council reviews the scheme for adults of working age (under 66). People over 66 have a separate, national scheme.

The biggest discount anyone can get is 85% off the Band A Council Tax. Band A is always used to calculate the discount, regardless of what band your home is. This means the maximum anyone receiving this discount gets is about £27 per week taken off their bills. This is regardless of what council tax band their home is in.

This consultation is about possible changes for working age applicants only. Pensioners are not affected. After the consultation, the council will review feedback, make decisions, and any changes will start from April 1, 2026.