If you are experiencing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances you may apply for Discretionary Council Tax Relief which can allow you a short-term reduction in your Council tax.
On this page:
- How it works
- Who it is for (Eligibility)
- Discount period
- Amount of discount
- Apply
- Decision
- Change of circumstances
How it works
Discretionary Council Tax Relief is a short-term reduction in your Council Tax for people facing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances.
The Council looks at each application individually and decides whether to reduce your bill. This is a discretionary scheme, so awards are not guaranteed.
This support is usually temporary and is not intended to cover long-term shortfalls in Council Tax.
Who it is for (Eligibility)
You can apply if you are liable to pay Council Tax to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. This includes:
- owner occupiers
- tenants
- liable residents
- someone acting on behalf of a liable person (for example, an appointee or someone with power of attorney)
You cannot apply if you are not liable for Council Tax at the property. This includes:
- landlords where the tenant is liable
- estate or managing agents
- friends or relatives (unless formally acting on someone’s behalf)
- lodgers or non-liable residents
- owners of empty properties
To be considered, you must:
- show evidence of financial hardship or exceptional circumstances
- have applied for Council Tax Reduction (if eligible)
- have already received all other discounts or reductions you are entitled to
- show you have taken reasonable steps to improve your situation
- not have access to other funds or assets to pay your Council Tax
Discount period
Awards are usually given for the rest of the current financial year. You must apply again if you still need help.
In most cases, the discount starts from the date the Council receives your application. It may be backdated in some circumstances.
Amount of discount
The amount of discount is based on your individual circumstances.
The Council may reduce your Council Tax by any amount, including reducing it to zero.
Apply
You must apply in writing.
Your application should include details of:
- your financial situation
- your income and spending
- any exceptional circumstances
The Council may ask for supporting evidence before making a decision.
Applications are normally for the current Council Tax year.
Decision
The Council considers each application fairly and consistently, based on your personal, financial and household circumstances.
Decisions take into account things like your income, debts, savings and the impact of not paying Council Tax.
You will be told the outcome in writing, usually within 14 days of providing all the information needed.
If your application is refused, you can ask for a review within one month of the decision.
Change of circumstances
You must tell the Council about any changes that may affect your award.
This includes changes to:
- your income
- your household
- your financial situation
If your circumstances change, your award may be reviewed.
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This discretionary relief policy has been approved by the Council to assist council taxpayers who may be experiencing financial hardship or distress
The discretionary relief policy will be administered by Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC and will be made available to any council taxpayer under the circumstances specified in Sections 4 and 5 of this policy. The purpose of this discretionary relief policy is to provide temporary assistance to Council Tax payers to help reduce their Council Tax liability. The operation of the policy is at the discretion of the Council.
To apply please email: