A new petition is calling for all pensioners to be exempt from paying Council Tax
A new online petition is calling on the UK Government to introduce “legislation which exempts all pensioners in Britain from paying council tax”. Petition founder Michael Thompson contends that “current provisions only ensure that pensioners on the lowest incomes receive full relief” whilst others with modest earnings are left without extra financial assistance.
The ‘exempt all pensioners from council tax’ campaign has been launched on the Petitions Parliament website and says: “We believe council tax is increasingly unaffordable. Many pensioners often rely on a fixed income and face growing living costs, which may exacerbate financial pressures while pensioners continue to struggle.
“We believe exempting all pensioners from council tax isn’t just compassionate but is also fiscally responsible. We believe it could provide relief to a vulnerable demographic and help uphold public services by ensuring fairer funding models.”
Should the petition reach 10,000 signatures of support, it would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government, reports the Daily Record. At 100,000, the Petitions Committee will consider it for debate in Parliament – read it in full here.
So, how much could you save?
There’s no flat rate for Council Tax Reduction. What you get depends on your personal situation – and crucially, where you live.
Each local authority sets its own rules, meaning two people with identical circumstances could receive different levels of support depending on their postcode.
But broadly, the amount you’ll get is based on:
- Your age
- Your income (including any benefits)
- Your savings
- Who you live with
- Your Council Tax band
You may get extra help if you receive a disability or carer’s benefit.
Those on Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) could even get their Council Tax covered in full. Others on a low income with less than £16,000 in savings may still get partial help.
If you’re under State Pension age, your claim will be assessed under what’s known as the ‘working age scheme’. But these schemes vary widely – and are often less generous than the national scheme for pensioners.
Check directly with your council to see what you might be entitled to.
If you’re receiving Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or are simply on a low income, there’s a good chance you qualify for Council Tax Reduction.
But again, the final decision rests with your local council, and each has its own criteria. The only way to know for sure is to check.
How do I claim?
Simple: contact your local council.
Even though pensioners follow a national scheme, working-age applicants must apply under their local council’s rules. You can find your council and start your claim online via GOV.UK.
Can I save even more?
Yes – and many people do without realising it. You could be entitled to further discounts or exemptions if:
- You live alone (25% discount)
- You’re a full-time carer
- Someone in your home has a severe mental impairment, such as dementia
- Your home has been adapted for someone with a disability
- A low-income adult lives with you who isn’t your partner
- The property is empty due to hospitalisation or moving to a care home
- It’s not your main residence
- Your home is uninhabitable – some councils offer discretionary discounts for things like flood damage