Following public consultation last year, changes have been made to our Local Council Tax Reduction scheme for working age claimants. These will take effect from 1 April 2026 and will make it more generous to those most in need.

What are the changes?

• from 1 April 2026 we fully disregard any Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation payments in your assessment
• the maximum award has increase from 90% of your charge to 100%
• the minimum award has reduced from £5 to £1, so now if you qualify for anything higher that £1 per week, you will receive an award
• we fully disregard Carers Allowance and the Carers Element of Universal Credit
• the Limited Capability for Work and Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related activity elements of Universal Credit are disregarded

If you have previously failed to qualify for assistance paying your Council Tax charge or considered claiming but believed you would not be eligible, this might have changed. Visit www.arun.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction to read about the scheme. The online application form can be found on this page too.