HOUSEHOLDS will see their council tax soar in weeks – but there are several ways you can get your bills discounted or wiped.
“Nearly all” local authorities in England and Wales will hike the tax by the maximum amount in April.
Households will see their council tax soar in weeks
Of the 136 authorities which have already announced their council tax proposals for the coming year, 128 (94%) are looking to increase bills in April by 4.99%.
This is the largest amount allowed by the government without having to hold a local referendum.
At the same time last year 75% of councils intended to impose the maximum rise, according to the County Councils Network (CCN), which released the figures.
The 5% rise equates to £103.25 extra a year for the typical Band D property, which is currently £2,065.
Elsewhere, The Sun revealed earlier this month that certain areas have been handed special permission to hike bills by 10%, so the same annual bill could increase by £206.50.
Of course it’s worth noting that exactly how much more you’ll pay is directly related to which band you’re on.
For example, England and Scotland have eight council tax bands – ranging from A (the cheapest) to H.
Your home’s Council Tax band is based on its rateable value – the more expensive the property, the higher the council tax band.
Sam Corcoran, CCN vice-chairman, said councils have to make “some of their toughest decisions” because of increased costs and spikes in demand for social care services.
He added that, while additional funding provided by the government would make a tangible difference and protect services, the fragile state of council finances means tax bills had to rise to ensure sustainability.
Mr Corcoran added: “No council leader takes the decision to raise council tax lightly as we know this will add to the cost of living for residents, but councils have had little choice but to put up council tax due to the increased demands, particularly in children’s services.
“The next Government must set out a long-term funding plan for councils while also undertaking a comprehensive reform programme to help drive down costs, especially for children’s services and home-to-school transport.”
According to the CCN, 17 top-tier authorities are yet to declare their council tax intentions.
The hikes will be a bitter pill to swallow for households already struggling to pay their council tax.
But missing payments can land you in trouble as council tax is considered a “priority bill”.
That means not paying it can result in bailiffs being sent to your home, court action or even prison.
But there are ways to get council tax slashed or even for free – with estimates that 2.7million are missing out on the help.
Here we explain what you can get and how to claim.
It’s important to bear in mind that each council sets their own rates and that what residents actually pay is determined by your council tax band.
Check how much your council tax bill will go up by
Keep an eye on your council’s website for information on its budget plans for the 2024/25 financial year – which will include information on any rate hikes.
Check which council tax band your property falls under to work out how much the increase will cost you.
You can find your local authority by using the gov.uk search tool.
You’ll then be sent a council tax bill in April outlining how much you need to pay.
Residents can choose to make payments over 10 months.
You can also opt to pay instalments over 12 months if you prefer.
What support is available?
There are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply for any of the below discounts, go through the government website.
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.
If you are not sure which local authority you live in, you can check the government’s council locator to find out.
Below we reveal all the ways you can get discounts on your bill or get it for free.
1. Single people
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.
A full list of circumstances that exempt you from paying council tax can be found on Citizens Advice.
2. 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.
3. Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
4. Challenge your council tax band
You might be able to reduce the amount of council tax you pay by challenging your band.
Properties across the UK are put into a band from A to H, and this informs how much council tax you pay.
The bands were created based on property values back in 1991, so many households may find that based on today’s prices, they should be in a different band.
It’s worth checking yours to see if you could get a discount.
First, you need to find out what band you are in.
You can find this out by checking with your local authority or on the postcode checker.
Use the council tax band checker tool to see which band properties along your street are in.
If they are in a lower band than you are, you could successfully make a challenge and get yours lowered.
How do I challenge it?
Contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) in Scotland to do this.
Gather together evidence showing you’re paying more – this could be having addresses of similar properties to yours in a lower band, for example.
If the VOA agrees that your property is in the wrong band, it will contact you to let you know your band will be changed.
It can take up to two months for the VOA to review your case.
But be warned – challenging your band might not work.
While you could get moved to a lower band and pay less, there’s also the chance the VOA could find you’re not paying enough.
This could mean you’re moved to a higher band – and your neighbours’ too.
If you disagree with the VOA’s ruling, you can appeal your case – but only if you’ve been told that you can when you get the decision.
You must appeal within three months of your decision – to do this, get in touch with the Valuation Tribunal Service.
If the Valuation Tribunal agrees with you, it will get the VOA to change your band – and your bill will change.
5. Section 13A relief
If you’re not eligible for a council tax discount – or you can’t move bands – there are other ways to get help.
You can make an application for what is called “discretionary relief” for your council tax bill by filling out a Section 13A application.
This means councils can reduce or completely wipe off a council tax debt you might have.
A previous Sun investigation found that councils have been wiping clean a record level of council tax debt in recent years over the Covid pandemic.
Nearly £2.7million worth of council tax debts was scrapped by local authorities over 2020/21.
Ask your council for the Section 13A form.
Once you’ve sent your Section 13A application over to your local authority, you should be told about a decision within 14 days.
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