TAXING TIMES
Tens of thousands of households to get council tax reduced again after lifeline scheme extended – can you claim too?
Families need to contact their local council to apply
TENS of thousands of households will get huge council tax reductions of up to 100% after a vital scheme was extended.
Officials at Durham County Council last week approved the continuation of the Council Tax Reduction scheme for households on low incomes.
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Around 53,800 people in County Durham currently benefit from the discount, the local authority said.
Of this number more than 41,000 people receive the maximum 100% discount.
But Durham is not the only council to offer the scheme, which provides a vital lifeline to thousands of households struggling to make ends meet.
Council Tax Reduction is available nationwide to those who are on a low income or claim benefits.
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If you are eligible you usually will not get an actual payment.
Instead, the council will reduce the amount of tax you have to pay.
You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or are working.
The amount you get depends on several factors including: where you live, your income, the number of children you have, the benefits you claim, your savings and pension.
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Whether you qualify or not will depend on your council’s individual criteria.
How do I apply?
You need to apply directly to your local council to receive the discount.
There should be information on its website about the types of discounts and exemptions available and how to apply for them.
How to challenge your council tax band
You can find out who your local council is by visiting .
In your application your local council will ask you for details about your income and circumstances so they can work out if you are entitled to the reduction.
They will then calculate your bill and will tell you how much council tax if any you need to pay.
What help is available?
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes residents who are on a low income can apply for a council tax reduction of up to 80% of their tax bill.
Those who have reached the age of 66, at which point they can claim pension credit, can get help with up to 100% of the cost of their Council Tax.
You can apply for the deduction through the council’s online portal.
Once your claim has been processed the discount will usually start on the Monday after the council received your complete claim form.
What other council tax support is available?
THERE are several other ways you can also get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit //www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You'll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn't have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
The discount will be paid directly into your Council Tax account and you will then receive a reduced bill.
Leeds
Households in Leeds can apply for a council tax discount of up to 75%.
The size of the discount depends on your income.
To be eligible you must not have savings, investments or property worth more than £16,000 unless you or your partner claim Pension Credit.
If you are a pensioner then you may be able to claim a 100% discount but the size of the reduction depends on your income and situation.
You can apply through the council’s online form or by calling 0113 222 4404.
Manchester
In Manchester council tax support is available but it will not cover all of your bill.
Working-age people in the city who are liable for Council Tax must still pay at least 15% of their bill.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Council tax reductions will only help with the remaining 85%.
However, residents who are pension-age can still get help which will pay for their whole bill.
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Generally, the less income you have the more help you can get to pay your council tax bill.
But if you have £16,000 or more in savings then you do not qualify for any support.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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