Council tax hardship scheme 2025/26

A council tax reduction scheme aimed towards those struggling to meet the cost of their council tax bill.

We have introduced a hardship fund for residents who are in financial hardship. If eligible, support will be provided as a reduction in your council tax bill.

Who is eligible for this reduction

In order to be eligible for the scheme you must:

have a council tax liability
ensure the property you are applying for the reduction is your sole or main residence.
have recourse to public funds
have a low income, as detailed below

Income limits

We have set maximum income limits based on the number of people in your household. If your household earns more than this limit, you will not be eligible for this scheme.

We expect that single residents, with no dependents, on a low income to claim Council Tax Support. Therefore single residents are not eligible for this scheme.

Below is a list of maximum income depending on the number of people in your household:

single adult - 1 child - £500 per week
single adult - 2 children - £550 per week
single adult - 3 or more children - £600 per week
couple - no children - £500 per week
couple - 1 child - £550 per week
couple - 2 or more children £600 per week
disabled household - no children - £500 per week
disabled household - 1 child - £550 per week
disabled household - 2 or more children £600 per week

For the purposes of this scheme a disabled household is any household where a resident is disabled, that includes the applicant, partner, children, looked after adults or any other member of the household.

Other schemes are also available and you can review the links at the bottom of this page for further information.