Council Tax reduction

Claim a Council Tax Reduction

You can apply for a reduction to your Council Tax if you're on a low income or benefits.

See further information about Council Tax Reduction at Citizens Advice website

Eligibility

To get a reduction in your Council Tax bill, you must be:

• on a low income and liable to pay the bill
• of working age and have less than £8,000 in capital
• of State Pension age and have less than £16,000 in capital – unless you receive Guarantee Credit or Pension Credit.

Make an application for Council Tax Reduction

You can make an application for a Council Tax Reduction online.

Don’t qualify for Council Tax Reduction

If you do not qualify for a Council Tax Reduction (means tested), you may be entitled to other discounts or exemptions e.g if you are a full time student, you will not be liable to pay Council Tax. For full details regarding categories and how to apply, please see  Council Tax discounts and exemptions.

Second Adult Rebate

If you are of State Pension age and solely liable for the Council Tax but have another adult or adults living with you, you may be able to claim for a Second Adult Rebate. Please see Second Adult Rebate for more information.

Second Adult Rebate

Only those who are of State Pension age can claim a Second Adult Rebate in Three Rivers.

Second Adult Rebate allows a person to claim a reduction of up to 25% of their Council Tax bill, if the other adult(s) who lives with them are on a low income or certain benefits.

The claimant must be State Pension age and solely liable for paying the Council Tax bill but has a second adult or more than one adult living with them who is:

• is 18 or over
• isn’t their partner
• doesn't pay them rent
• doesn’t have a contract with the landlord
• doesn’t jointly own the home
• is on low income or getting certain benefits

You cannot claim for a Second Adult Rebate if you are already claiming Council Tax Reduction, but you may qualify for a Second Adult Rebate even if you do not qualify for Council Tax Reduction.

Income Banded Council Tax Reduction Scheme for Working Age

From 1 April 2024, we have introduced a banded scheme for working aged customer. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for Working Age customers is an income-banded system based on household make-up and weekly net income, which will give you a percentage reduction on your council tax liability, if you meet the criteria.

Find out more about our new Income Banded Council Tax Reduction Scheme for Working Age.

Report a change in circumstances

If you are already claiming Council Tax Reduction, and there has been a change to your circumstances including a change of address, savings, household, or income, you must let us know within one month of the change coming into effect.