Thousands set to pay no council tax later this year – are you eligible?

THOUSANDS of households struggling with the cost of living are set to have their council tax bill completely slashed.

Stafford Borough Council in the West Midlands is proposing changes that would see a total of 4,500 households offered a 100% discount for the 2023/24 tax year.

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Residents in one part of the UK look set to have their council tax slashed[/caption]

The council’s cabinet held a meeting on February 9 to discuss a bill reduction for a further 1,700 residents on top of the 2,800 who already pay no council tax.

The change is yet to be approved, but will be decided by Stafford Borough’s full council later this month.

Eligible households will have the reduction automatically applied and don’t need to make a claim.

The council hasn’t said which specific households will get the 100% discount.

However, councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for resources, hinted it would be for those on the lowest incomes.

He said: “We know some of our lowest income families are being hardest hit by the significant increases in energy bills and the rise in the cost of living for many everyday essential products and services and we are determined to help those most in need where we can.” 

We have approached the council to find out who exactly will be eligible and will update this story once we’ve heard back.

What about if I don’t live in Stafford?

If you don’t live in the West Midlands, you might be able to get a council tax reduction regardless.

You can get it wiped in certain situations too.

If you are a single person living in a home you can get a 25% discount on your council tax.

This also is the case if there is one adult and one student living together in a household.

If you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.

Pensioners on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit could be in line for a 100% discount too.

And if you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could eligible for a reduction on your council tax.

Eligibility rules vary depending on where you live.

You should get in touch with your local council to see what help you might be able to get.

If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the government’s council locator tool on its website.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk