Latest news with #CouncilTax
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Martin Lewis Council Tax checks could cut monthly bill and bring huge refunds
There are four crucial checks people need to do which could result in payouts worth thousands of pounds. Martin Lewis is urging everyone paying Council Tax to check if they are forking out too much money by not claiming a discount or being in the wrong band. In the latest issue of the MoneySavingExpert ( newsletter, the consumer champion breaks down the simple checks which could lead to refunds worth thousands of pounds. Council Tax bills increased around the UK in April, putting pressure on households to factor in higher outgoings to their monthly finances, but the financial guru warns hundreds of thousands of people may be overpaying. Martin wrote: 'There's a lot wrong with Council Tax - unsurprisingly, as in England and Scotland, we still rely on a supposedly stopgap valuation done 34 years ago, to dictate what band a home's in... even though much of the country is now unrecognisable compared to then.' Martin's four 'crucial reductions to explore': Check if you're in the right Council Tax band Check for a Council Tax discount if you are single, a student, or have physical or mental health disabilities Check for Council Tax Support if you're on a low income Check if you are owed Council Tax Credit The financial guru shared a step-by-step guide on how to 'check and challenge' your Council Tax band if you think you're in the wrong one. He also highlighted how an estimated 2.25 million people on benefits are missing out on Council Tax savings of up to £1,500 each year. Martin also reminded people living on their own that they are entitled to a 25 per cent discount on their annual bill. It's important to be aware that in Scotland, people on a low income may be eligible for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which can provide annual savings of up to £850 and is only available north of the border. Full details on here. Martin urged up to 2.25m people on benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, to check if they are eligible for a 100 or 50 per cent discount on their Council Tax bill - worth up to £1,500 this year. This is provided by local authorities and needs to be claimed directly from them - it is not applied automatically - even if you're on benefits. Martin's biggest check is on your Council Tax band, which an estimated 400,000 households north and south of the border are in the wrong one and could be due refunds worth thousands of pounds. He explained how much Council Tax you pay depends on your local authority, which sets an overall amount each year and assigns a 'band' to your home, based on its value. It isn't banded by its current market value, but what it was worth on April 1, 1991 - the date Council Tax was introduced. He added that the band valuation has not been done in Scotland and England since that date which is why many people may be in the wrong band. Martin then explained two checks which may indicate that someone is in the wrong band - the neighbours check and the valuation check. The neighbours check This is where you have to compare your house to neighbours, in similar, or preferably identical properties, to see if you're in a higher band. You don't have to ask your neighbours which Council tax band they're on, just go to the Scottish Assessors Authority (SAA) website here, where you can see yours and your neighbours' addresses. If that check shows you're in too high a band, move to the next step, the 'valuation check'. The valuation check This is where you have to work out what your house was worth in 1991 because that's what decides the bands. To do it, you've got to take a valuation of your house, or a similar house and then convert it back through a house calculator - there are free tools online that will do this for you. There are eight Council Tax valuation bands in Scotland, from A to H. Band A is the lowest, while band H is the most expensive. The valuation Council Tax band ranges can be found on the SAA website here. Band A - Up to £27,000 Band B - Over £27,000 and up to £35,000 Band C - Over £35,000 and up to £45,000 Band D - Over £45,000 and up to £58,000 Band E - Over £58,000 and up to £80,000 Band F - Over £80,000 and up to £106,000 Band G - Over £106,000 and up to £212,000 Band H - Over £212,000 Martin stressed how the checking process before going ahead and challenging your local council is the most important bit. he also warned people not to begin the challenge process unless you pass both of these checks. The full step-by-step guide on challenging your Council Tax band and more information on discounts and reductions available can be found on here. Check if you could be exempt from paying Council Tax You will not pay Council Tax if: You are a full-time student You are in the Armed Forces in Forces accommodation You live in a care home or hospital Your home is unoccupied and empty (up to six months) - for example, if you've gone into hospital You have a severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia) - if you only live with someone who has dementia, then you'll be treated as a sole occupant as they will be disregarded, but you won't both be exempt Contact your local authority about your eligibility and how you can apply for an exemption - a link to all 32 local authorities in Scotland is at the bottom of this page. Could you be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill? There are some circumstances where you may get a reduction on your Council Tax and the amount of discount varies depending on your circumstances. If you live alone The full Council Tax is calculated assuming there are two or more people living in each home – if you live alone, you should apply to your local council for a discount - you could get a 25 per cent reduction, regardless of your financial circumstances. If you live with someone under 18 or a student Council Tax is not calculated for anyone aged under 18, full-time students, student nurses and some apprentices or trainees. If you are a carer Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours per week and who meet additional criteria may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes, contact your local authority for their eligibility criteria. Just be aware, this doesn't apply if the person receiving care is the partner of the carer, or is the carer's child aged under 18. Apply for Council Tax Reduction You may be eligible to claim a Council Tax Reduction if you're on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You can also claim Council Tax support regardless of whether you own your own home or rent, or whether you're working or unemployed. Each local council is responsible for operating their own Council Tax support scheme, so the amount of support given across the country may vary. The amount you will get depends on many factors, including: Which benefits you receive Your age Your income Your savings Who you live with How much council tax you pay You may get more Council Tax support if you receive a disability or carers benefit. If you receive the Guarantee Credit Part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don't have it, but are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help. Local councils Contact your local council from the list below to apply for a Council Tax Reduction or discount. Inverclyde Renfrewshire West Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire Glasgow East Renfrewshire North Lanarkshire Falkirk West Lothian Edinburgh Midlothian East Lothian Clackmannanshire Fife Dundee Angus Aberdeenshire Aberdeen Moray Highland Na h-Eileanan Siar Argyll and Bute Perth and Kinross Stirling North Ayrshire East Ayrshire South Ayrshire Dumfries and Galloway South Lanarkshire Scottish Borders Orkney Shetland
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Cost of living help from local councils for people on a low income
People working full-time may also be able to pause Council Tax payments to ease financial pressure. Families and individuals on a low income or income-related benefits may be able to get help from their local council. Councils across Scotland have funding to help people in financial need during the ongoing cost of living crisis and all you need to do is call and explain your situation. If you are on a benefit such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Pension Credit, your council may be able to offer advice or check if you are missing out on any additional unclaimed benefits, discounts or redactions. Even if you don't claim any benefits, they may be able to help you. Something as simple as asking for your next Council Tax payment to be put on hold could provide immediate relief from money worries - just phone your local council and ask for help. Local authorities were able to support around 94,000 households on a low income with £89.3 million in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) in 2024/25, thanks to Scottish Government funding. The Scottish Government funds councils to use the payments to help people affected by the Bedroom Tax, the Benefit Cap, and other housing-related UK Government welfare reform policies. New figures published for April 2024 - March 2025 show that councils spent 99 per cent of the £74.8m budget for the Bedroom Tax, suggesting they were able to almost completely protect people from its effects. Local authorities spent £5 million mitigating the Benefit Cap, an increase of over 40 per cent on the previous year. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'Over the last 15 years, the Scottish Government has spent around £1.4 billion mitigating the impacts of UK Government policies such as the Bedroom Tax and Benefit Cap. 'This money could have been spent on services like health, education and transport, or on further ambitious anti-poverty measures, and would pay for around 3,000 teachers or 3,700 band 5 nurses each year. 'Under our Programme for Government we will spend £97 million this year to enable councils to use Discretionary Housing Payments to protect more than 94,000 households in Scotland against the worst impacts of harmful UK Government policies.' Ms Somerville warned: 'The UK Government's welfare cuts will force more families and children into poverty, according to its own figures. It is time for them to think again and abandon these harmful changes.' Every local council in Scotland has their own service with different rules and may be able to offer help with loans or grants, food vouchers, fuel vouchers and recycled clothes or household items - find your local council here. The Scottish Welfare Fund is also a good source of financial help which provides Community Care Grants, to help people live independently, and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency. Community Care Grants You may be able to get a Community Care Grant if: you're leaving care or imprisonment and need help to start a settled home you've been homeless, or living an unsettled life, and need help to start a settled home you need support to stay out of care you're caring for someone who's been released from prison or a young offender's institution you're experiencing great pressure and need help to keep a settled home you're escaping domestic abuse a child's health is at risk Your income To get a Community Care Grant you need to be on a low income, but this does not mean you need to be on benefits. What counts as a low income There is no figure that confirms whether you have a low income. As a guide, if you're on one of the benefits below, or your income is about the same as someone who is, it's more likely you can get a Community Care Grant: Income Support Pension Credit Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - Income based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Income based Universal Credit Your savings If you have savings of over £700, or £1,200 if you get a pension, you may be less likely to get a Community Care Grant - your local council will decide. Crisis Grants A Crisis Grant is a one-off payment that can provide much-needed cash during an emergency, but it cannot be given to support your income long-term. If you need help because you are on a low income, the quickest way to find out what financial support you may be able to claim is to use a benefits calculator. These are independent, free and confidential and only take a few minutes to complete online - you can find out more about ones from Turn2Us, Advice Direct Scotland and entitledto at the end of this article. If your total household income is £30,000 or less, you may be entitled to extra help, so don't dismiss using one of the benefits calculators because you think your income is above the threshold. What is a Crisis Grant? A Crisis Grant can be given to cover the costs of an emergency Examples of this could include when: there is a fire or flood at home you have lost money an unexpected crisis happens you are a victim of domestic abuse and you need help with things like moving away from an abuser you are a grandparent or other relative who has taken over caring for a child, and you're waiting on a transfer of benefits you are facing a gap in your normal income because of a redundancy or change at work Who is eligible for a Crisis Grant? To get a Crisis Grant you need to be on a low income, however, this does not mean you need to be currently claiming benefits. What counts as a low income Similar to the Community Care Grant, the Scottish Government explains there is "no figure that will be used to judge whether you have a low income". As a guide, if you're on one of the benefits below, or your income is about the same as someone who is, it's more likely you will be able to get a Crisis Grant: Income Support Pension Credit Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Universal Credit What financial help is available? If you do get a Crisis Grant, your local council will look at helping you with your most urgent living costs. Some things this may include are help with the costs of: Food Heating costs Many local councils have welfare rights advisers who can: tell you what benefits and other entitlements are available carry out checks so you don't miss out on any benefits help you complete forms give advice and support if your application for a benefit is turned down or you do not get the amount you were expecting How to apply You can apply directly to your local council through the website here. Most councils will tell you the outcome of your application within two working days, however, this may take longer due to application caseload. Online benefits calculators You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out: What benefits you could get How to claim How your benefits will be affected if you start work These calculators are free to use, anonymous, and could indicate benefits you're missing out on. Where to find help Advice Direct Scotland This new online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including Adult or Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support payment or Scottish Child Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments. Turn2us Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours entitledto Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work What you will need You will need accurate information about your: Savings Income, including your partner's Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you) Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments) Council Tax bill
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Full list of free cash and discounts you can get if you're claiming PIP this half-term
MILLIONS of people can get free cash and discounts that will help them save over the half-term. The freebies are available to people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) benefit. 1 PIP is aimed at supporting people suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition. It's available to those over 16 and under the state pension age (which is currently 66). PIP claimants can get up to £187.45 a week from the Government. As well as the benefit itself, those on PIP can also get a range of perks and discounts like Blue Badge parking permits and reductions on council tax. They will be particularly helpful for families hoping to save over the half-term. Here's a list of nine of them. Disabled person's railcard A disabled person's railcard can get you up to a third off rail fares. On average it could save you about £126 a year, or £4.70 per journey, according to National Rail. For example, a train from Edinburgh to London would be slashed from about £62.90 to £41.85. You can qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard if you can prove you have a disability or receive a number of benefits, one of which is PIP. Five key changes to PIP & Universal Credit as Labour's benefits crackdown unveiled A one-year railcard costs £20 while a three-year one costs £53 (saving you £6). Whether the railcard is worth it depends on how often you travel by train. You can buy a railcard online here. Council tax discounts If you claim the living or mobility part of PIP, you might be able to get a council tax discount. The amount you can get off your bill depends on your personal circumstances and the level of PIP you receive. You should contact your council to find out what discount you're entitled to. They may ask to see your PIP award letter as proof so make sure you have it handy. Benefit boost Some benefits allow you to get top-ups, or what's called a disability premium. But you'll need to be receiving one of the following along with PIP to be eligible for top-ups: Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance Employment and support allowance Pension credit You should get in touch with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you're not sure what you're entitled to. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter. It's also worth knowing you may be entitled to attendance allowance if you've reached state pension age and you have health conditions. Blue badge Anyone with a disability that limits their ability to walk is eligible for a blue badge. You can also get a blue badge if you're registered blind or have a disability in your arms. The blue badge allows you to park in spaces that are typically closer to entrances and often larger for better accessibility. Holders can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there are loading or unloading restrictions. You need to contact your local council to apply for a blue badge. Your PIP award letter can be used in the application, although it's worth bearing in mind some councils may charge a fee. The maximum fee is £10 in England and Northern Ireland and £20 in Scotland. Free prescriptions You may also qualify for free NHS prescriptions if you have a disability that makes you eligible for PIP. However, this does depend on your specific medical condition. You're automatically entitled to free prescriptions if you have illnesses including cancer, diabetes or epilepsy. To get free prescriptions you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate, which you can do by speaking to your doctor and requesting an FP92A form. Discounted days out and memberships Some attractions and entertainment venues offer discounts for people on certain benefits. For example you might be able to get savings on activities like cinema trips, theatre performances, art gallery visits and theme parks. The disability charity Scope has a helpful guide outlining some of the discounts available. To learn more, visit their website at Capped water bills You may be able to get support with paying bills through your water supplier. The WaterSure scheme helps customers who may struggle to pay their bills, such as those receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP. To qualify you must either have a water meter installed or have applied for one, and demonstrate a high water usage need. This might be if someone in your household has a medical condition that requires significant water consumption. Not everyone will be eligible for the scheme so you should contact your water supplier for further details. Vehicle tax reduction People receiving the standard rate mobility component of PIP can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. The tax is a fee you must pay to legally use your car on public roads. It can cost as much as £2,355 a year depending on your car's fuel consumption and the type of fuel it uses. That means a discount could save you more than £1,000 a year. You may not have to pay vehicle tax at all if you're on the enhanced rate of PIP. To qualify for the discount, the disabled person must have the vehicle registered in their name or their nominated driver's name. To apply for the reduction, you'll need to make a claim and include the following documents: A letter or statement from DWP that shows your PIP rate and the dates you're getting it The vehicle log book (V5C) A V10 form An original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one) A cheque or payable order (made out to "DVLA, Swansea") for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle Send your application and documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF. If you're applying for the first time you should be able to do this at your local Post Office branch. Lease a vehicle with PIP cash If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months remaining on your current allowance, you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme. The scheme gives you access to over 2,000 vehicles with insurance, tax, and servicing all included. To find out how to join the scheme and explore the range of available vehicles, you can request an information pack from the Motability Scheme website. Disabled Facilities Grant You can apply for this grant if you're disabled and need to make changes to your home to suit your needs. This may be if you need to widen doors and install ramps or rails. Unfortunately the grants are not available in Scotland but you can get them in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live in Wales you can get up to £36,000 worth of support, £30,000 in England and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit households can get cost of living boost worth over £60 in weeks
Middlesbrough Council has started dishing out help to residents to help with energy bills, food and other essential costs and will be "releasing" it in phases over the coming few months Households claiming Universal Credit can get free vouchers worth over £60 to help with the cost of living in the next few weeks. The help comes from the Government's Household Support Fund scheme. Running since 2021 and managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme has given local councils pots of cash to support struggling households in their area. Each authority decides how it wants to spend the money, and help can range from free cash payments to supermarket vouchers. Middlesbrough Council has started dishing out help to residents to help with energy bills, food and other essential costs and will be "releasing" it in phases over the coming few months. From May, households that do not claim any DWP benefits - including Housing Benefit - can apply for a £100 voucher. The entire payment - or just part of it - can be paid directly into your Council Tax account, which can help "free up" money to spend on other things such as energy and food. From July, households with children who meet the free school meals eligibility criteria will also get vouchers worth £60 per child. If you have two children, this means you could receive £120. The council will send vouchers automatically, based on schools' records. Households can also apply for one of these vouchers through the council's website if they don't get free school meals, but are claiming one of the following benefits: Council Tax Reduction Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Universal Credit From November, households on benefits without children can apply for a £45 voucher if they are single, or a £55 voucher if they are in a couple. Older households in Middlesbrough not eligible for Winter Fuel Payments also qualify for free £100 payment this winter. Letters will be sent to households who may be eligible in November with applications opening in the same month. More details and updates on Middlesbrough Council's cost of living scheme will be shared over the coming few months. You cannot claim this support if you do not live in Middlesbrough. However, you are able to claim help from your local council through their own Household Support Fund scheme. Due to this system, it means it can be a postcode lottery for the support you can get. Local councils have started to share what help they will offer for this year's Household Support Fund which is running until March 2026. Each council's website details its support offerings alongside its eligibility criteria. Usually, it has a separate cost of living tab that details the help on offer. Each council will also have a different application process for the scheme. Some ask you to apply online, while others ask you to apply over the phone. Some councils are also reaching out to those eligible directly
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge update for people making a first-time claim or due to renew this year
Local councils across Great Britain issue Blue Badges to people for up to three years. The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through the online service. The Department for Transport also said it runs a 'programme of continuous improvement to the digital service to make online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities'. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood added that this programme also includes 'undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process'. The written response came after Reform UK MP Lee Anderson asked what steps are being taken to 'reduce processing times for applications to the Blue Badge digital service'. The Blue Badge Digital Service offers a national online application and badge management facility through The latest statistics from the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland show there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger. Most users will be aware their Blue Badge has an expiry date of three years from the point of issue, however, many may not be aware that renewal is not automatic and an application should be made 12 weeks (three months) before it expires to ensure the new permit arrives before the current one is no longer valid. Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.' Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on explains: 'Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years. 'Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. 'You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires.' A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the site here. How to renew a Blue Badge online You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You'll also need a photo or scan of your: proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter) proof of benefits (if you get any) You will also need to know: your National Insurance number (if you have one) the details of your current Blue Badge You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process. Change of details You should contact your local council if there's a change to your: name address council area contact details Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space You must not let other people use your badge You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there
