Brits are urged to check if they could be eligible for a discount on their council tax. You may be able to get a reduction on your payments if you fit into one of five categories.
Council tax is set by your local authority and helps fund services such as rubbish collection and road upkeep. The amount you pay is determined by your home’s valuation band and the council area in which you reside.
However, not everyone is expected to pay the full amount. Citizens Advice explains that some people are entitled to what is known as council tax reduction (CTR).
This is available to people are on a low income or claim benefits. Citizens Advice says: “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 important to note that if you’re awarded CTR, you won’t normally get an actual payment. The council will reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay.
There are two types of CTR – working age and State Pension age. Your eligibility for the working age CTR will vary depending on your council.
You need to check details with your local council to see whether you are eligible for a reduction. However, people who come under five categories will be eligible for a reduction.
Citizens Advice says you can apply for CTR if you’re liable for the council tax bill and you get:
If another adult who is not your partner lives with you, your maximum council tax reduction might be less because they are expected to contribute to the council tax bill. This is called a ‘non-dependent deduction’.
If you do not get one of these benefits, you can still apply for CTR if you have a low income and capital below £16,000.
You can also get 25 per cent off your council tax bill if you:
People are classed as “disregarded” and therefore do not pay anything towards council tax if they are:
To find out more, visit gov.uk/council-tax/who-has-to-pay or contact your local council.
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