Council tax support
Council tax support helps you to pay your bill if you are unemployed or on a low income.
The amount of council tax support you receive is deducted from your council tax bill.
Council tax discretionary relief
To qualify for council tax discretionary relief you must:
- be liable for council tax.
What we consider when assessing your application
If you are applying due to being in severe financial hardship, we will look at:
- Any debts you have and whether you've sought advice
- Spending on non-essential items
- Unclaimed benefits you may be entitled to
- Ways to increase your income (e.g. more work hours)
- Support from friends or family
- Reasons for staying in your current home (e.g. access to work, schools, or health services)
- Whether you've tried to move to a more affordable home
- If you're escaping domestic violence, leaving care, or another institution
- If your benefits are likely to increase soon (e.g. expecting a baby)
Please ensure you fully complete the form, including all your income and expenditure information. If you have any other information to support your application, please make sure you add this to the form.
Further information may be requested to support your application.
What happens next?
Once we’ve reviewed your application, you’ll receive a written decision within 6 weeks.
Please note: Discretionary funds are limited and are not intended as a long-term solution to help with your council tax payments.
Apply for council tax discretionary relief