Housing and Local Council Tax Reduction is a means tested benefit administered by the Council. Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2022/2023 (pdf 1mb)
Who can claim Housing Benefit?
Anyone who has to pay rent can apply for Housing Benefit, even if you are in work and on a low income.
In some cases, even though someone has to pay rent, they are not always entitled to Housing Benefit. For example when someone:
- Lives with a close relative, who is also the landlord
- Sets up a tenancy in order to take advantage of the Housing Benefit scheme e.g. on a non-commercial basis
- Has income which is too high to qualify
- Has capital or savings in excess of £16,000
- Falls into categories which are excluded from claiming e.g. certain students.
Who can claim Local Council Tax Reduction?
Anyone who has a liability to pay Council Tax can apply for Local Council Tax Reduction, even if you already get a discount on your Council Tax i.e. if you live alone.
You can claim even if you work and have a low income.
In some cases, even though you have a liability to pay council tax you would not be entitled to Local Council Tax Reduction. For example when someone:
- Has income which is too high to qualify
- Is of working age and has capital or savings in excess of £6000 (pensionable age level is £16000)
To make a claim please visit our online forms page.