Every household has to pay Council Tax, but some people can apply for Council Tax Support, a means tested reduction to the bill. The means test compares how much money people have coming in to an amount (known as the applicable amount) which reflects the basic living needs of a household and varies depending on age and individual circumstances.
From April 2013, Council Tax Support replaced the Council Tax Benefit Scheme. The Government instructed that, for working age people, councils can decide their own scheme. This means the Council Tax Support scheme could be different depending where you live.
You can view the Council Tax Support policy for Poole. For people of state pension credit qualifying age and vulnerable groups, the scheme mirrors the Council Tax Benefit rules. Further information is available about pension credit as well as a pension credit factsheet.
Alternatively you can claim Second Adult Rebate.
You cannot get both Council Tax Support and Second Adult Rebate at the same time. If you qualify for both, you will receive the one that pays the most.
Your Council Tax bill could be reduced in other ways
As well as Council Tax Support and Second Adult Rebate, we can reduce your Council Tax with:
Page last updated: 14 March 2019
