Council Tax Discretionary Reduction

We will only reduce your Council Tax in exceptional circumstances, or if you find yourself suffering exceptional financial hardship. Details can be found in our policy (PDF, 302 KB)(opens new window).

For any reduction granted under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the cost is met by increasing the charge to the other Council Taxpayers of the District. We consider the merits of each case separately.

The 2023/24 Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Policy includes details on how we will deliver the .

How to apply

If you wish to apply, you should write or send an e-mail to us explaining why you think we should reduce your Council Tax. If you are applying because of financial hardship, you will need to tell us about your income and what you spend. 

Before you apply for a Section 13A Council Tax reduction you must:

• take all reasonable steps to resolve the problems that are causing you hardship
• check your entitlement to, and apply for, any other relevant Council Tax reductions. Please see our Can I get a Reduction? page.

You will need to provide evidence of your situation and explain the steps you have taken to try to resolve the problems causing hardship. We will also need to check that if you are in arrears with your Council Tax, that this is for a genuine reason - not simply because you have chosen not to pay.

Other short term help we can give people in difficult circumstances

If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs and need extra help to pay your rent, please see our discretionary housing payments page.  Please also see details of other support available on the Cost of Living Support page.