Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit is a national welfare benefit administered by Local Authorities. Its purpose is to provide help to people receiving state benefits or on low incomes pay their Council Tax Bill.

If you are liable to pay Council Tax you may apply for Council Tax Benefit to reduce your bill. The amount of benefit awarded will depend on your household and financial circumstances.

People under the age of 18, tenants in 'houses in multiple occupation' (i.e. bedsits), most full-time students, and Non-resident owners are not eligible to claim Council Tax Benefit.
Please ask us if you are not sure.

Council Tax Benefit assists people with low income by reducing their Council Tax liability. Many people, including those in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance income-based and Guaranteed Pension Credit will normally pay no Council Tax. If awarded, Council Tax Benefit is deducted from your Council Tax liability, reducing your bill.

To view information about the Council Tax charge and the current valuation bands, please click here.

If you do not qualify for Council Tax Benefit, you may qualify for a second adult rebate if the other adults living in your property are on low incomes.

Council Tax Benefit is not awarded to you automatically – you must claim it. To find out more please use the links on the left, you can also contact the Council for any information. Please note that normally benefit can only be awarded from the Monday following the date a claim is received by the Council. You must not withhold payment or part payment of the Council Tax whilst awaiting the outcome of your application.

If Council Tax Benefit has been awarded, this is shown on your bill. You must tell the Council immediately of any change in your circumstances which may affect your entitlement.

If you need to report a change you can print a form yourself by clicking here or by contacting us by telephone.