Martin Lewis has urged households to check if they can receive up to £1,500 off their bills through council tax support. On his BBC podcast, the Money Saving Expert explained that individuals on benefits like Universal Credit may be eligible, but millions are missing out.
How Council Tax Reduction Works
Lewis noted that each council runs its own scheme, with no standardised rules. Some councils offer a 100% reduction. He warned that the biggest mistake is assuming automatic support when on Universal Credit. "You have to apply separately," he said.
Who Should Apply
Those on Universal Credit or Pension Credit are likely eligible, but must apply via their local council. Applicants may need to provide evidence of low income or housing costs. Lewis urged persistence, as the savings can be substantial.
One listener reported a 25% bill increase when moving to Universal Credit. Lewis explained this may be due to transitional protection payments being categorised differently, affecting discount eligibility. He advised checking local council rules, as support varies by area.
