The council is now responsible for its own council tax support scheme.

The scheme is limited to a Band A property, so if you live in a higher band you will only receive support up to the equivalent of a Band A property in your local area:

You can check your council tax band on our website if you're not sure which band you're in.

Apply for council tax support

Changes to the scheme for working age customers from 1 April 2022

• The minimum award of Council Tax Support is £2.00 per week
• Second Adult Rebate is no longer available

How the scheme works

• If you currently receive full benefit, you will only need to pay 8.5% of your council tax bill if you live in a higher banded property (i.e. band B-H)
• If you (or your partner) start work after being on full benefits you will be protected against the band A restriction. So if you live in a band B-H property, your claim will be assessed based on 91.5% of your actual band for the remainder of the year
• The existing 25% single person’s discount will still apply
• These changes do not affect pensioners

How much can I claim?

You can download the in-depth guide that we use to calculate council tax support.

Examples

If you receive income support, income-based job seeker's allowance, or income-related employment and support allowance: 

• Living in a Band A = 100% of liability used in calculation (nothing to pay)
  Example: Charged £10 per week council tax, awarded £10 per week CTS
• Living in Band B – H = 91.5% of liability used in calculation (8.5% to pay)
• Example: Charged £20 per week council tax, awarded £18.30 per week CTS  

If you are putting in a standard claim:

• Living in Band A = 100% of liability used in calculation
  Example: Charged £10 per week council tax, awarded £5 per week CTS based on the income and capital of your household.
• Living in Band B – H = 100% of a Band A liability used in calculation
• Example: Charged £20 per week council tax, awarded £5 per week CTS based on the same income and capital of your household in the example above  

If you or your partner starts work:

• Living in Band A = 100% of liability used in calculation
  Example: Charged £10 per week council tax, awarded £5.20 CTS per week based on the income and capital of your household
• Living in Band B – H = 91.5% of liability used in calculation for remainder of financial year
• Example: Charged £20 per week council tax, awarded £13.50 CTS per week based on the same income and capital of your household in the example above.