5 ways to get council tax discounted or FREE if 'almost all areas' to increase bills

HOUSEHOLDS will see their council tax rise within weeks, but there are several ways you can get your bills discounted or eliminated.

“Almost all” local authorities in England and Wales will increase tax by the maximum amount in April.

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Of the 136 authorities that have already announced their council tax proposals for the coming year, 128 (94%) want to increase bills by 4.99% in April.

This is the largest amount the government has allowed without the need to hold a local referendum.

Last year, 75% of councils planned to impose the maximum increase, according to the County Councils Network (CCN), which made the figures public.

The 5% increase equates to an additional £103.25 per year for the typical Band D property, which currently stands at £2,065.

Elsewhere, The Sun revealed earlier this month that certain areas have been given special permission to increase bills by 10%, meaning the same annual bill could increase by £206.50.

Of course, it's worth noting that exactly how much more you pay is directly related to the band you play in.

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, vice-chairman of the CCN, said councils are having to make “some of their toughest decisions” due to increased costs and spikes in demand for social care services.

He added that while additional government funding would make a tangible difference and protect services, the fragile state of council finances meant tax rates had to rise to ensure sustainability.

Mr Corcoran added: “No council leader takes the decision to increase council tax lightly as we know this will increase the cost of living for residents, but councils have had little choice but to charge council tax due to increased demands, especially in children's services.

“The next one The government must establish a long-term financing plan for municipalities while implementing a comprehensive reform program to reduce costs, especially for children's services and home-to-school transport.”

According to the CCN, seventeen top authorities have yet to announce their intentions in the field of municipal taxes.

The increases will be a bitter pill to swallow for households who are already struggling to pay their council tax.

But missing payments can get you into trouble as council tax is considered a “priority bill”.

This means that failure to pay could lead to bailiffs being sent to your home, a lawsuit or even jail.

But there are ways to reduce council tax or even get it for free – estimates say 2.7 million people are missing out on help.

Here we explain what you can get and how to make a claim.

It's important to remember that each municipality sets its own rates and what residents actually pay is determined by your municipality's tax bracket.

What support is available?

There are various ways in which you can get a discount on your municipal tax bill.

In some cases you can even get it the bill completely wiped out.

Factors such as your household income, whether you have children and whether you receive benefits affect what you get.

To apply for any of the discounts below, visit the government website.

To fill in the details, you will need your citizen service number, bank statements, a recent pay slip or letter from the Employment Office and a passport or driver's license.

If you're not sure in which municipality you liveyou can consult the government's council finder to find out.

Below we reveal all the ways you can get a discount on your bill or get it for free.

1. Singles

If you live alone, you can get a 25% discount on your municipal tax bill.

This also applies if one adult and one student live together in a home, or if one adult and one person with a severe intellectual disability live in the home.

If you live with someone who does not have to pay municipal tax, such as an informal caregiver or someone with a severe intellectual disability, you can also receive a larger discount, up to 50%.

And if you live in an all-student household, you can get a 100% discount.

A complete overview of the circumstances that exempt you from paying municipal tax can be found here Citizens advice.

2. Retirees

Pensioners may also be eligible for a council tax discount.

If you receive the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit, you can get a 100% discount.

If not, you can still get help if you are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings.

And a pensioner who lives alone is also entitled to a 25% discount.

3. Low-income households

If you have a low income or receive benefits, you may be eligible for a council tax discount.

Your eligibility depends on where you live.

You can also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can talk to your local council about setting up a payment plan to manage costs.

But one thing to remember is that if you are struggling, you should contact your local council as soon as possible.

4. Challenge your council tax bracket

You may be able to reduce the amount of council tax you pay by challenging your bond.

Properties across the UK are placed in a band from A to H, and this indicates how much council tax you pay.

The ranges were created in 1991 based on property values, so many households may conclude that they should be in a different range based on current prices.

It's worth checking yours to see if you can get a discount.

First you need to know what band you are in.

You can check this with your municipality or via the postal code checker.

Use the council tax check to see which properties are on your street.

If they are in a lower band than you, you can successfully challenge and lower yours.

How do I challenge it?

Contact the Valuation agency (VOA) in England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) in Scotland to do this.

Gather evidence that shows you are paying more. For example, these could be addresses of properties similar to yours in a lower band.

If the VOA agrees that your property is in the wrong band, they will contact you to let you know that your band will be changed.

It may take up to two months for the VOA to assess your case.

But be warned: Challenging your band may not work.

While you may be moved to a lower band and pay less, there is also a chance that the VOA will conclude that you are not paying enough.

This could mean moving you to a higher band – and that of your neighbors too.

If you disagree with the VOA's ruling, you can appeal your case, but only if you have been told this is possible when you receive the decision.

You must appeal within three months of your decision. Please contact us for this Valuation Tribunal Service.

If the Valuation Tribunal agrees with you, it will push the VOA to change your bond – and your bill will change.

5. Abolition of Article 13A

If you don't qualify for council tax relief (or you can't move straps), there are other ways to get help.

You can apply for a so-called 'discretionary exemption' on your council tax bill by completing a section 13A application.

This means that municipalities can reduce or completely wipe out any council tax debt you may have.

A previous Sun investigation found that councils have wiped out record levels of council tax debt in recent years during the Covid pandemic.

Nearly £2.7 million in council tax debts have been canceled by local authorities in the 2020/2021 period.

Ask your municipality for the Article 13A form.

Once you have sent your Section 13A application to your local authority, you should be notified of a decision within 14 days.

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