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Council Tax reduction

Council Tax reduction hardship fund

We have set up a hardship fund to provide extra help towards your Council Tax. This will be used only in cases of exceptional need. 

We will use the fund in a supportive and reactive way to allow for short-term difficulties as set out in the policy. Customers wishing to apply for additional support must complete the application form. Any additional award will be made in line with the hardship policy.  

This fund is limited and is for those experiencing short-term exceptional hardship. It is to be used to cover the shortfall between Council Tax liability and payments of Council Tax Reduction. It will be effective from 1 April 2025. 

What we will consider with your application

When making your application, we will take into account a number of deciding factors. 

This includes:

  • the shortfall between Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and Council Tax liability 
  • steps taken by the customer to reduce their Council Tax liability 
  • changing payment methods - making arrangements to pay their Council Tax in 12 monthly instalments or setting alternative payment arrangements in order to make them affordable 
  • ensuring that all discounts, exemptions and reductions are granted, for example Single Occupier Discount 
  • steps taken by the customer to establish whether they are entitled to other welfare benefits 
  • steps taken by the customer in considering and identifying where possible the most economical tariffs for supply of utilities 
  • if a Discretionary Housing Payment has already been awarded to meet a shortfall in rent 
  • personal circumstances, age and medical circumstances (including ill health and disabilities) of the customer, their partner, dependents and any other occupants of the customer’s household 
  • any difficulty experienced by the customer, which prohibits them from being able to meet their Council Tax liability, and the length of time this difficulty will exist 
  • shortfalls due to non-dependent residents 
  • income and expenditure of the customer, their partner and any dependants or other occupants of the customer’s home 
  • how reasonable expenditure exceeds income 
  • that all income may be taken into account, including those which are disregarded when awarding CTR 
  • any savings or capital that might be held by the customer or their partner 
  • other debts outstanding for the customer and their partner 
  • whether the customer has already accessed or is engaging for assistance with budgeting and financial/debt management advice. 
    • An Exceptional Hardship Fund award may not be made until the customer has accepted assistance to enable them to manage their finances effectively. This could be either from us or a third party, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or similar organisations. Proof of other financial commitments will be required 
  • the exceptional nature of the customer and/or their family’s circumstances that impact on finances. 
    • Please note receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and disability benefits will not in themselves be considered ‘exceptional’ 
  • the funds available in the Hardship Fund at the time of the application 

The list is not exhaustive and other relevant factors and special circumstances will be considered. 

An award from this fund does not guarantee that a further award will be made at a later date, even if your circumstances have not changed. 

Any award may be less than the difference between the Council Tax liability and the amount of CTR paid.

Making an application

Who can apply

Anyone who has claimed Council Tax Reduction. 

How to apply

Please complete the form via the button on this page. 

submit your application for the CTR Hardship fund

What happens next

We may ask you to provide evidence to verify your situation. This could include asking for evidence of your income and expenses. 

Please note, your claim will not be processed until the evidence requested is provided. 

When we will make a decision

A decision on your claim will be made within one month of receipt of the application. This may be extended if you are asked to provide further evidence. If this is the case, a decision will be made within one calendar month of receiving all the evidence. 

We will write to you and let you know of their decision.  

If your application is successful

We will consider each application will on its own merits. If your application is successful, we will decide the amount and length of award on an individual basis.  

The funding is subject to an annual cash limit. Due to this, it is likely this award will be offered on a short term basis. This is to help while you try to resolve the difficulties you are experiencing. 

If your application is not successful

If you are not happy with a decision, you can write to the council, giving your reasons and/or providing further/additional information. At this time, we will look at the decision again.