Council Tax Support Tolerance Scheme

You must report any change in circumstances which may affect the amount of Council Tax Support you receive.

From 1 April 2021 a Council Tax Support Tolerance Scheme was introduced.

This scheme has been introduced to reduce the number of bills and payment changes for people whose income changes by small amounts each month.

This means, if your income goes up or down and the change to the amount of Council Tax Support is £2.50 a week or less, your Council Tax Support and bill will remain the same as before the change.

Tolerance Scheme example 1

• your Council Tax Support award before the change in income is £4.50 a week
• your income changes, and based on the new income your Council Tax Support would reduce to £2.50 a week
• your bill and payments will stay the same

Tolerance Scheme example 2

• your Council Tax Support award before the change in income is £4.50 a week
• your income changes, and based on the new income your Council Tax Support would increase to £6.00 a week
• your bill and payments will stay the same

Tolerance Scheme example 3

• your Council Tax Support award before the change in income is £4.50 a week
• your income changes, and based on the new income your Council Tax Support would increase to £7.50 a week
• you will receive a new bill and your payments will change

Tolerance Scheme example 4

• your Council Tax Support award before the change in income is £4.50 a week
• your income changes, and based on the new income your Council Tax Support would decrease to £1.50 a week
• you will receive a new bill and your payments will change

If you are negatively affected by the tolerance scheme for a significant period you may be able to get extra help. You can apply for the Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

If your changes are significant enough to result in an amended bill, we'll increase or reduce your Council Tax Support with effect from the day you tell us the changes took place, and send you an amended bill confirming our adjustments.

Also see

• Council tax
• Help with council tax for your household
• Ways to pay your bill
• Set up a Council tax special payment arrangement
• Benefits and money advice