Council Tax Benefit

If you're on a low income, you might be entitled to pay less Council Tax. This will depend on a number of things, such as your income and savings, your age, the size of your household, and whether any of the household are disabled.

You can get an estimate of the benefits, tax credits or pension that may be available by visiting the Directgov website, available from Related Sites on the left of this page.

Income and Savings

If you receive Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, or the guarantee element of Pension Credit, you may be eligible for the maximum amount of Council Tax benefit.

If you don't receive any of these benefits, but have low earnings, you might still qualify for some Council Tax benefit. But usually, your savings must be less than £16,000.

The Size of Your Household

If you are married, or live together as husband and wife, you will be assessed on your joint income. You might also qualify for a reduction if there's another adult, other than your partner, living in the household.

If you have a joint responsibility to pay the tax with someone other than your partner - perhaps with a brother or sister - you can apply separately for a reduction.

Water and Sewerage Charges

Council Tax Benefit cannot be used for any water or sewerage charges on your bill.

How Council Tax Benefit is Paid

If you successfully apply for Council Tax benefit, we'll send you a letter telling you how much you’ll receive and when the payments start. The benefits are paid straight into your Council Tax account. You'll then be sent an amended bill, telling you how much you still need to pay.

Please tell us about any changes to your circumstances that might affect your benefit payments.

Online Payments

You can pay Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, Council House Rent, Garage Rent, Invoices and Other Payments using our online payments facility, available from Related Links on the left. Additional Services will be added as we continue to develop the range of payments available online.