Council Tax Reduction (previously Council Tax Benefit)

Council Tax Benefit will no longer exist after 31 March 2013. From 1 April 2013 each Council will now have a new scheme called the Council Tax Reduction scheme. The reduction scheme is decided by the Council and is not a benefit payment.

From 1 April 2013, in Mid Suffolk, all people of working age will have to pay at least 5% of their Council Tax bill, regardless of their income or whether their bills have been covered by benefit in the past. So some people who have not had to pay Council Tax before may now have to make payments. The amount you need to pay will be shown on the latest bill.

Any Council Tax Reduction you are awarded will be shown on your Council Tax bill and will reduce the amount you have to pay. You could receive help if you are on a low income, even if you are working. However if you have more than £16,000 in savings or investments you will not usually qualify. The reduction awarded will depend on the amount you are liable to pay; the needs of your family; your income; your savings and anyone else living with you.

Anyone who would have previously qualified for Council Tax Benefit as at 1 April 2013 will automatically be awarded any reduction under the new scheme. If you do not have a reduction showing on your bill and you think you may qualify, you will need to submit an application. Please see our Making a Claim page.

Any changes in your circumstances must be reported to us.