The Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Council Tax Reduction) provides assistance to people who are finding it difficult to pay their council tax bill. If you're in arrears or unable to keep up your council tax payments you can apply for extra help.
This could be due to low income, an emergency, or a particular change in circumstances, for example:
- you could have lost your job and have no savings
- you may be receiving benefits, but your Council Tax Support doesn't cover all your council tax bill
- You may be negatively affected by the Council Tax Support Tolerance Scheme
If you're not receiving Council Tax Support you should check if you are eligible.
If you get Council Tax Support which doesn’t cover your whole bill and you cannot pay the difference you may be able to get a discretionary reduction.
You'll need to provide information about your exceptional circumstances and how this is effecting payment of your council tax.
Please note that we can't make reductions to cover:
- court costs
- recovery costs
- penalty charges
The same application form is used to apply for both Council Tax Reduction and the Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme. You need to specify whether you're applying for one or both of these schemes as part of your application.
If after reading the supporting information on our website you're still unsure whether you would be eligible to claim for the Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme in addition to Council Tax Reduction, advice and support is available.
We consider each application on its individual merits and 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 Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme award decisions.
Debt advice and assistance
Advice and support are available for residents who are struggling with money and paying bills.
The Money Helper have up-to-date information and guidance about your money.
Make sure you’re getting all the help available. Use a free independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you could get, how to claim and how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change.
You can also get advice and support from local services working across the city.
See more information about how to get help managing your money and appointing a third party to act on your behalf.
Also see
Benefits appointments
Contact us for an appointment to get benefits advice in person at West Offices.