Council Tax support to be increased for Preston residents

The Council Tax Support scheme in Preston is changing to help more working age people pay their council tax bills, depending on their circumstances.

Previously, working age people could qualify for up to an 80% reduction on their bill, but as of 1 April 2025 this has increased to 100% relief for those who qualify. If you already qualify for council tax support, you do not need to reapply.

Following a public consultation at the end of 2024, a decision was made to increase support. The decision was also underpinned by research that shows within the UK, 20.3 million adults are financially vulnerable due to factors such as poor health, unstable incomes, insufficient savings, or life events like job loss, bereavement, or relationship breakdowns.

The current scheme (also known as the Council Tax Reduction scheme) can help with council tax payments and anyone who is liable to pay council tax can apply. It is designed to primarily help people on a low income and is individually assessed depending on things like household status, any other adults living in the household, personal circumstances, income and savings.

Residents can still apply if they own their own home, rent a property, are in full time employment, on universal credit or receive other benefits.

There is no change to pensioner reductions as they already qualify for up to 100%, and anyone that is currently claiming a reduction in their council tax payments need not re-apply, as changes to the rates of reduction will be automatically applied on 1 April 2025.

Any residents who are not already claiming a reduction on their council tax bill and think they may qualify, are urged to check their eligibility status with the new benefit calculator that can be found on the Preston City Council website → https://bit.ly/3FrqojP

Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Preston City Council said: “If you are not already receiving a reduction on your council tax bill and you think you may qualify, don’t delay in applying. The sooner you apply, the sooner it can applied to your bill to reduce your council tax.

“The new benefit calculator on our website is an excellent tool and really helpful in showing how you can unlock lots of different unclaimed benefits and support that you are entitled to. It also has information on how to make an application and has handy signposts to additional resources, information and support organisations.”