Council Tax Reduction: help with your bill on a low income
Council Tax Reduction (sometimes still called council tax support) can lower your bill if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. It is not the same as a discount, and the rules depend on where you live.
Reduction versus discount
A discount, such as the single person discount, depends on who lives in the property. Council Tax Reduction depends on your income and savings. You can sometimes get both.
Why it varies by council
In England, each council designs its own scheme for working-age people, so the amount of help, the savings limit and the evidence needed differ between areas. Schemes for people of State Pension age follow national rules. Wales and Scotland have their own arrangements.
Because of this, avoid relying on figures you read for another area. Your council's website will set out its current scheme.
How to apply
- Apply to your local council — GOV.UK's postcode tool links to the right page.
- Have proof of income, benefits and savings ready.
- If you claim Universal Credit, you usually still need to apply separately for Council Tax Reduction; it is not automatic.
- Apply as soon as your income drops — backdating is limited and at the council's discretion.
Reading the decision letter
The decision letter shows your new bill and how the reduction was worked out. Check the income and household details it used. If something is wrong, you can ask the council to look again; if you still disagree there is usually a further appeal route, which the letter should explain.
If you already have arrears
Applying for a reduction does not stop recovery of existing arrears. Contact the council as soon as possible to ask about a payment arrangement, and get free debt advice if you are struggling.
Published 15 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change and may differ across the UK — check the official sources below for your situation.
Sources
Related guides
Got one of these documents? Upload it privately to ClariDoc for a plain-English explanation.
Not sure what your letter is asking?
Upload your document to ClariDoc. We'll explain it in plain English, pull out the deadline and give you a clear next-step checklist — usually in under a minute.