What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is a charge which is usually paid by the people living in a residential property. The full charge assumes that there are at least two adults living in the property. If there is only one occupant in the home, they may be eligible for a 25% discount. There are other exemptions and discounts for properties that are empty or occupied by certain people.
Council Tax Support is a local Council Tax discount which replaced Council Tax Benefit from 1 April 2013 and where applicable, it is shown as a discount on your Council Tax bill. It is based upon your household income (means tested) to help you pay your Council Tax and the amount you get depends on things like:
- your income
- your savings and investments
- the amount of your Council Tax
- other people who live with you
What is the Council Tax Support scheme?
The Council Tax Support Scheme offers financial assistance to Hounslow residents on low-incomes or benefits, to help them pay their Council Tax Bill.
Read more about Council Tax Support and how to apply.
What are the changes to the Council Tax Support scheme?
The Council’s aim is to make the scheme fairer; ensuring families, larger households and carers receive vital support. The changes will also help address the Council's current £30 million funding shortfall. The changes mean:
- Some residents who previously did not have to pay Council Tax may now have to start paying.
- The discount towards your Council Tax Bill may increase or decrease.
The changes to the scheme affect only residents who are of working age (over the age 18) regardless of whether you’re working or in receipt of benefits. These changes do not affect pensioners – if you’re a pensioner you will not be affected.
What do you mean by working age?
Any adult who is under the age of 66.
What do you mean by pension age?
The current pension age in the UK is 66 years old for both men and women.
When do these changes come into affect?
The changes will come into effect on Tuesday 1 April 2025. Residents affected by the changes will receive a letter with a new Council Tax bill in March.
What do I do next?
Prepare for the changes.
Find out how much you owe
Use our online Benefit calculator. It’s free and anonymous.
Alternatively, ring 0208 583 4242 to speak to an advisor who can talk you through the changes.
Make a plan for how to pay
The safest, quickest and easiest way to pay is by Direct Debit. Read more about how to pay your Council Tax.
You can also ring 0208 583 4242 to discuss the possibility of paying your Council Tax in 12-month instalments (rather than in ten-month instalments) with an advisor. Alternatively, you can request a change in installments online.
I am worried about these changes on my financial situation. Who can I talk to about this?
If you think you will struggle financially with the changes, contact Citizens Advice Hounslow. You can ring their freephone adviceline number 0808 278 7830 for independent advice and confidential support.
You can also request to pay your Council Tax in 12-month instalments (rather than in ten-month instalments) by calling 0208 583 4242.
The Council has also established a Hardship Fund for residents who might struggle with an increase in payments towards their Council Tax Bill. Read more about the hardship fund.
Could a change in my income mean I move income band?
If your or your partner's income changes, your Council Tax band might stay the same or move up or down. This depends on how close your weekly earnings are to the next band and the size of the change.
For example, if you earn anything between £10 and £346.40 per month and your income increases slightly but not more than £346 you will stay in the same band.
Once I am awarded Council Tax Support in a particular income band, could any further changes affect my award?
Yes. If you receive Council Tax Support and your circumstances change since your last award, you must tell us. Examples of a change in circumstance could be a person may move in or out of your property, or an increase in your household’s income, savings or capital.
What can I do if I do not agree with the level of Council Tax Support I am awarded?
You can ask for a revision of the decision. You will need to tell us the reasons why you think your Council Tax Support is wrong and provide any relevant supporting documents.
If you still do not agree with our decision after we have looked at your revision request, you can submit an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, who are independent from the council.
What are non-dependants and non-dependant deductions?
Non-dependants are certain adults who live with you who are aged 18 or over who are not in full-time education.
Non-dependants are usually expected to contribute something towards your household bills including any rent and council tax. An amount is taken from the award of Council Tax Support, depending on the income of the non-dependant.
Will this change impact my entitlement to other benefits?
No. Your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit entitlement is not impacted by a change in the level of Council Tax Support you receive. Council Tax Support is not considered when calculating entitlement to other benefits.
