The Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Scheme provides assistance to people who are unable to pay their council tax bill.

Reductions cannot be made to cover court costs, recovery costs or penalty charges.

Reductions may only be made on the basis of hardship, for example:

  • you may be receiving benefits but your Council Tax Support does not cover all of your council tax bill
  • you could have lost your job and have no savings

In order to make a decision we will need you to confirm:

  • why you are unable to pay you council tax bill
  • whether you have received debt or benefits advice
  • details of your household income, expenditure, savings and investments

Apply for a Discretionary Payment

The form can be completed by:

  • the bill payer
  • the person liable to pay the council tax
  • someone who has been nominated to act on their behalf

If you need help filling in the application form you can make an appointment with our advisers by contacting the Benefits Team.

We may ask for additional information or evidence if necessary.

Further advice or assistance with debt

When applying for a discretionary reduction, you will need to provide evidence that you have already sought advice about dealing with your debt elsewhere. Get more information on where to get debt and benefits advice from the following independent service providers:

Or see more information about how to get help managing your money, and appointing a third party to act on your behalf.

Our decision on discretionary reductions

Each application is considered on its individual merits and will be based on your council tax bill after any discounts, exemptions, reductions for disabilities or support have been deducted.

Find out how we consider your circumstances when making your Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Scheme award decision.

Also see

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