Council Tax bills have seen a significant increase this month, putting additional strain on household budgets across the UK. In response, a new petition has been launched, calling on the government to introduce a “free Council Tax month” to alleviate some of the pressure.
The petition, gaining traction online, argues that the funds collected through Council Tax are not being used efficiently, particularly in maintaining essential services.
According to the Daily Record, citizens have expressed frustration over unresolved issues such as potholes and missed waste collections, prompting the call for a temporary break in payments.
Petition Highlights Concerns About Misallocation of Funds
The petition, created by Sarah Bannister, argues that the money people pay each month is not being properly utilized to maintain essential services. Specifically, Bannister points out that issues such as potholes, ungritted roads, and missed waste collections continue to plague local areas, despite the significant amount collected through Council Tax. As Bannister states:
“We want the UK Government to give everyone a month off from paying Council Tax. We are concerned that there are potholes on the roads, roads have been left ungritted and household waste has sometimes not been collected.”
She further adds :
“We pay Council Tax for the council to do things. We feel that their obligations have not been met.”
Current Arrangements and the “Free” Months
Although the chances of a “free Council Tax month” becoming a reality appear slim, there are existing measures in place to help alleviate the burden. For instance, many households who pay their Council Tax over 10 months benefit from two “free” months in February and March before the new bill is due.
Additionally, some households opt to spread their payments across 12 months, making it easier to manage costs.
In Scotland, individuals on low incomes or those who face other specific circumstances may qualify for a Council Tax Reduction, which could result in significant savings.
According to recent figures from the Scottish Government, nearly half a million people were eligible for this reduction as of December 2024, with average savings of over £850 annually. Those who qualify for this scheme can apply via mygov.scot or through their local council.
Exemptions and Discounts for Eligible Households
There are also various exemptions and discounts available for certain households, which can help reduce Council Tax bills. These include exemptions for full-time students, individuals living in care homes, and those with a severe mental impairment.
Additionally, people who live alone can apply for a 25% discount on their Council Tax, regardless of their financial situation. Some carers who look after someone for 35 hours per week or more may also qualify for a reduction.
If someone’s home is unoccupied for up to six months—such as during a hospital stay—they may be eligible for an exemption as well.
People who have made modifications to their homes to accommodate disabled individuals can apply for a reduction, and there are provisions to lower the Council Tax band for homes whose value has decreased due to changes such as new infrastructure, like nearby motorways.
If you think you may be eligible for any discounts or exemptions, it’s important to check with your local authority. In some cases, adjustments to your Council Tax band may be possible, especially if the value of your home has changed, such as due to home adaptations for a disabled person.
Additionally, people who receive certain benefits may be eligible for further reductions. For example, if you receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, you could have your entire Council Tax paid for. Even if you don’t receive this, those with low income and savings under £16,000 may still qualify for some assistance.
