Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction

On this page:

 

What is Council Tax Reduction?

Who can apply?

How do you work out how much Council Tax Reduction I’m entitled to?

How to apply

Report a change in circumstances

Manage my Council Tax Reduction online

 



What is Council Tax Reduction?

If you're on a low income, Council Tax Reduction (CTR) may help reduce your Council Tax bill.

You might also qualify for other discounts, disregards or exemptions depending on your circumstances, not just your income.

Find out more about:

 

Who can apply?

Council Tax Reduction may be is available if you:

  • pay Council Tax on the property where you normally live.
  • either rent or own your property

 

You can claim whether you are:

  • receiving other benefits, tax credits, or pensions (including Universal Credit)
  • working
  • unemployed
  • unable to work due to illness or disability
  • caring for a child or adult
  • retired.

 

Please note: If you have savings, property or other assets worth £16,000 or more, you won’t qualify — unless you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

 

How do you work out how much Council Tax Reduction I’m entitled to?

The amount of reduction you get depends on your income and savings.

We look at:

  • How much the government says you need to live on (based on your family cicumstances)
  • Your acutal income (if it's higher that the amount you need, your reduction will be less)
  • Whether other adults live in your home (this may also reduce your entitlement)

 

If your claim is approved:

  • The reduction starts from the date we receive your claim
  • It is applied straight to your Council Tax account
  • You'll get a new bill showing your updated balance and instalments

 

How to apply

To apply

  1. Complete an online Council Tax Reduction application form
  2. Upload supporting evidence 

You will need a My Account to use this service.

If you are not registered for a My Account

You can create an account by choosing 'Register' and providing an email address and password.

You will then need to add your Council Tax account reference to your My Account Homepage and then select ‘View my Council Tax Account’

Then select ‘New Claims’ and ‘Make a New Claim’ under the Benefits heading.

 

After you apply

  • Make a note of your claim reference number in case you need to get in tocuh with us
  • We will review your application form and be in touch if we need any more information

 

Other ways to apply

 

Report a change in circumstances

It's important to report any changes in your circumstance (or changes in circumstance for anyone in your household) immediately to avoid issues with your benefits.

For more information: How do I report a change in circumstance?



Manage my Council Tax Reduction online

You can manage your Council Tax Reduction online using the following accounts:

 

Council Tax Reduction account

You can:

  • view past payments
  • get proof of your entitlement

You will need a My Account to use this service.

If you are not registered for a My Account

You can create an account by choosing ‘Register’ and providing an email address and password.

You will then need to add your Council Tax account reference to your My Account Homepage and then select ‘View my Council Tax Account’

Then select 'Register' under the Benefits heading.

To register or sign in for the first time, you'll need:
  • Your Council Tax Reduction claim reference number (you will find this on any Council Tax Reduction letters we have sent)
  • Your National Insurance Number

 

Please note: you must already be claiming Council Tax Reduction to use this service

 

Sign in to your Council Tax Reduction account 

ID: 122, revised 20/11/2025