Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support (also called Council Tax Reduction) is a local scheme administered by each council that reduces or eliminates the council tax bill for people on low incomes. Each council sets its own scheme for working-age claimants, though the rules for pension-age claimants are set nationally. It is not a national benefit and varies widely between areas.
Council Tax Support (CTS), also called Council Tax Reduction, is administered by each local council and can reduce your council tax bill by up to 100% if you are on a low income. Rules for pension-age claimants are set nationally (mirroring legacy Housing Benefit rules), but each council sets its own working-age scheme. Some councils provide 100% reduction for the lowest-income households; others cap reduction at 80–85%, meaning even the poorest working-age residents pay something. Savings thresholds, income taper rates, and treatment of non-dependant deductions all vary by council. Apply directly to your local council — do not delay, as most councils cannot backdate for more than 6 weeks. CTS is separate from the 25% single-person discount, which you can claim at the same time.