Council tax discretionary reduction scheme

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

Note: We can't make reductions to cover court costs, recovery costs or penalty charges.

We can only make reductions on the basis of hardship, for example:

• you may be receiving benefits but your Council Tax Support doesn't cover all your council tax bill
• you could have lost your job and have no savings

We'll need you to confirm:

• why you're unable to pay your council tax bill
• whether you've 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's been nominated to act on their behalf

Make an appointment with our Benefits Team if you need help filling in your application form.

We may ask for additional information or evidence if necessary.

Debt advice and assistance

You'll need to provide evidence that you've already sought debt advice when applying for a discretionary reduction.

Get debt and benefits advice from the following independent service providers:

• GOV.UK debt advice
• Money Advice Service
• Citizens Advice York
• Advice York website

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

Discretionary reduction decisions

We consider each application on its individual merits - we base our decision on your council tax bill after any deductions, such as:

• discounts
• exemptions
• reductions for disabilities

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

Also see

• Council tax
• Benefits
• Paying your bill
• Council tax discounts and exemptions
• Council tax arrears