Who will be affected by this change?

    The change will only affect working age households taking into account their financial circumstances.

    Pensioner households will not be affected by the proposal.

    Where can I find out about the current scheme?

    Details about the current Council Tax Support scheme can be found on our website.

    What is the definition of a pensioner?

    A pensioner, for the purposes of localised Council Tax Support schemes, is someone who has reached the qualifying age for state pension credit. If you have a partner, both of you must have reached state pension age to be classified as pensioners.

    Are other discounts affected?

    The current Council Tax discounts and exemptions will continue to apply.

    When will the changes start?

    If approved, the changes  will apply from 1 April 2024. All affected Council Tax Support recipients will be notified of any changes to their entitlement fore this date.

    What are the Government regulations for pensioners?

    The Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2012 as amended by The Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 set out what the council must include in their scheme and how the council should assess a claimants income and capital.

    Which council local schemes are not changing?

    The council does not intend to change the following local schemes for 2024/25: 

    • Older Person Discount 
    • exemption for care leavers under the age of 25
    • exemption for foster carers 
    • Shared Lives Allowance - shared lives scheme households are exempted from council tax  
    • Second Adult Rebate known as 2AR

    What is a non-dependant?

    People who normally share your accommodation but are not dependent on you for financial support are known as non-dependants. 

    Non-dependants are people like grown-up sons or daughters and elderly relatives.

    The following do not count as non-dependants:

    • foster children
    • carers employed by a charity that charges for the service
    • joint tenants
    • subtenants
    • boarders
    • tenants of owner occupiers
    • landlords/ladies and their partners

    What is a legacy benefit?

    A legacy benefit is a benefit which is being replaced by Universal Credit. There are six legacy benefits:

    • income-based Jobseekers Allowance
    • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Income Support
    • Housing Benefit
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Working Tax Credit