Guides › Public Services › Council Tax Reduction: Can You Get Help?
Council Tax Reduction: Can You Get Help?
Council Tax Reduction, sometimes called Council Tax Support, can cut your bill by up to 100% if you are on a low income or claim benefits. You can apply whether you own or rent and whether you work or not. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules vary.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Council Tax Reduction
GOV.UK
Apply to your local council for Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support). You could be eligible if you are on a low income or claim benefits, whether you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. Each council runs its own scheme, and what you get depends on your household income (including savings, pensions and your partner's income), whether children live with you and whether other adults live with you. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Apply nowHelp usually starts from your claimAsk the council about backdating
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find your council on GOV.UK.
Step 2 of 5
Apply online with income, savings and household details.
Step 3 of 5
Ask whether it can be backdated.
Step 4 of 5
Tell the council if your circumstances change.
Step 5 of 5
If refused, ask the council to explain and reconsider.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Council
Apply and ask for a review.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Free, after the council's complaints process.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Check the single person discount too if you live alone.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/council-tax-reduction Checked 13 October 2026
- lgo.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026