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Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction is a discount for council taxpayers with a low income.

You will not be entitled to Council Tax Reduction if:

  • You have capital amount over £16,000 (savings and investments).
  • You are a full-time student, are not disabled and have no dependant children.  If you have children under the age of 18, or are disabled you may be able to claim.  If you have a partner who is not a student, your partner may be able to submit a claim.

Please click here for full details and how to apply for a reduction in your council tax.

 

Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (Section 13a)

Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (Section 13a) is intended to provide short term help to council tax payers who are suffering extreme financial hardship.

Eligibility

You must be a Council Tax payer in Tewkesbury Borough Council area to qualify. You can only apply for discretionary relief on your current council tax bill, and it will not reduce any existing arrears on your previous year’s bills.

Criteria for making a claim

We will review each application on its own merits. We will consider these factors:

  • Entitlement to all other eligible discounts/reliefs/income/welfare benefits have been explored and are being claimed.
  • There must be evidence of financial hardship or personal circumstances that justify a reduction in Council Tax liability.
  • The applicant’s income and expenditure including unusual and/or avoidable expenditure.
  • Whether there are exceptional circumstances that contribute to the financial hardship.
  • The applicant must demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken or will be taken to resolve the situation.
  • The amount outstanding must not be the result of wilful refusal to pay or culpable neglect.
  • The applicant does not have access to other assets that could be realised and used towards their Council Tax liability.
  • Whether the situation can be resolved by some other legitimate means.
  • Whether an award will assist the applicant towards a position where they can pay their Council Tax within a reasonable time frame without further recourse to this discount.
  • Any social or health issues currently being faced by the resident and/or their immediate family.
  • The effect the situation is having on vulnerable members of the resident’s family (e.g. the elderly, the young, the infirm etc.).
  • Other evidence in support of an application (such as information from doctors and/or social workers).
  • Whether the applicant has asked for advice already, e.g. from Citizens’ Advice.
  • The size and banding of the current accommodation.
  • The possibility of moving to a smaller and lower banded property.
  • The lifestyle choices of the applicant and their household.
  • Whether there is a threat of court action in relation to Council Tax arrears.

Please click here to apply online for Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief.