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Council Tax Reduction

ClaireHig

Hello

Originally I paid no council tax, due to being a single mother & receiving severe disability benefit for myself. But my LA (Wokingham, Berkshire) changed their policy last year, so that everyone apart from OAPs must pay at least 10%. They've now changed it again for this year & everyone apart from OAPs must pay at least 20%. Is anyone else in a similar position?

  • I still don't get why the government insist on taking back much of the pittance they are willing to give. The state says that ESA takes into account the minimum a person needs to live on. But that minimum didn't include taxes such as council tax. As it wasn't charged then. Plus the cost of food has gone up, but benefits didn't.

    The council tax charge causes a lot of distress. Those like me who can't take care of our finances well, can't keep track to ensure we have money for a direct debit on time. And even 20% is too much to pay in a one off payment.

    Also since when were adult social care allowed to include child benefit/tax credit when doing financial assessments. Money for a child, is not the adults own disposable income. That money is earmarked for your child, it's not money that can be spent on you.

  • Hi

    Thanks. I tried that last year. It didn't work. After a lot of distress to get a GP to sign a form, all I got was £10 off. As I can't even go out now at all, it won't be possible. A GP wrote last year that I have Asperger's. I also wrote that there is wheel chair access in my flat for my other issues. But it seems Asperger's isn't considered a severe mental health illness.

  • Perhaps see if you are entitled to claim for Council Tax Exemption on grounds of Severe Mental

    Impairment (SMI) - as includes learning disabilities, social functioning issues and severe or chronic

    mental iillness. You will need a GP's or Specialist's verification if an SMI exemption is relevent for

    you.