Discretionary Hardship Award
We can sometimes give a short term reduction in Council Tax to people who find themselves in exceptional and unexpected financial circumstances.
This type of support is known as a discretionary hardship award, or a Section 13A reduction, under the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
We can only award a Section 13A reduction in exceptional situations. The cost of these reductions is met from the council’s own funds. This means:
- we decide whether to award a reduction
- we decide how much any reduction will be
- we are not required to award a reduction
Each application is considered on its individual circumstances.
How to apply for a discretionary hardship award
A discretionary hardship award can help if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax and are experiencing financial hardship or exceptional circumstances.
Before you apply
Before applying, you must show that you have taken all reasonable steps to help yourself. This includes:
- applying for any Council Tax reductions, discounts or exemptions you may be entitled to
- checking whether you can challenge your Council Tax band, if you believe it is incorrect
- looking at other financial support, such as cost of living support
- seeking independent debt advice, including whether a Debt Relief Order or Individual Voluntary Arrangement may be appropriate
You will also need to show that:
- you do not have savings, assets, equity in a property, or surplus income that could be used to pay your Council Tax
- you have exhausted all other available options
- you can provide evidence of financial hardship, or exceptional or unforeseen circumstances
Information about other help you may be able to get is available here:
Read the Policy
Before you apply, please read the Discretionary Financial Assistance Policy carefully. This explains who can qualify and how decisions are made.
How to Apply
You can apply if:
- you receive Council Tax Reduction, or
- you do not receive Council Tax Reduction but need help paying Council Tax for the property where you live
- you are applying for help with Council Tax on a property where you do no live.
If you are applying for help with Council Tax on the property where you live, you should apply using the Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme (DCTRS)
Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme (DCTRS)
If you are applying for help with Council Tax on a property where you do not live, you should apply for a Discretionary Hardship Award.