Could You Qualify for a Council Tax Reduction?
Wandsworth urging residents to check eligibility for discount
The Council is sending letters out to residents who may be eligible. Picture: Wandsworth Council
October 15, 2025
Wandsworth Council is urging residents to review their eligibility for Council Tax Reduction (CTR), a means-tested discount designed to support people on low incomes with their Council Tax bills. The reminder comes as councils begin contacting households who may qualify but have not yet applied.
Council Tax Reduction—also known as Council Tax Support—is a benefit that helps eligible residents pay part or all of their Council Tax. The scheme is not applied automatically; individuals must submit an application to their local council. If approved, the reduction is applied directly to the Council Tax account, and a revised bill is issued.
The amount of support awarded depends on several factors, including household income, savings, employment status, and the amount of Council Tax owed. While the scheme is open to a wide range of applicants—including those who are employed, unemployed, disabled, single, or married—certain groups may be excluded. These include full-time students, individuals with high savings, and some people with restricted immigration status.
Although Council Tax Reduction is a national policy framework introduced in 2013 to replace the former Council Tax Benefit, it is administered locally. Each council in England is responsible for designing and managing its own scheme for working-age residents, which means eligibility criteria and levels of support can vary significantly between areas. Pension-age applicants, however, are covered by a national set of rules.
This localisation has led to a patchwork of support levels across the country. Some councils offer reductions of up to 100%, while others cap support at lower levels. The differences reflect local budget constraints and policy choices.
Despite the availability of the scheme, uptake remains a concern in many areas. Research by benefits advisory services has shown that thousands of eligible households may not be claiming the support they are entitled to. Barriers include lack of awareness, confusion over eligibility, and the complexity of the application process.
In some councils, financial pressures have led to proposed cuts to CTR schemes, prompting consultations and public concern about the impact on vulnerable residents.
You can complete Wandsworth Council’s calculator to confirm whether you are eligible. The calculator will take around ten minutes to complete. Eligibility is based on income, savings, and household circumstances. Those who qualify will see the reduction applied to their Council Tax bill.
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