Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation 26/27

We would like you to tell us what you think about proposed changes to our Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme.

The proposed changes to the scheme will affect working age households in Coventry who will get CTS from 1 April 2026. Pension age households will not see any change. This is because the rules for this group are set by the Government, as is the age at which someone is treated as Pension age, which is covered by the State Pension age timetables

The CTS scheme for working age households is a means tested discount that helps households on low incomes pay their Council Tax bill. The level of support given depends on the income and household circumstances that may affect how much a household can pay.

Proposed change – Council Tax Support temporarily for two homes

This proposal to revise the Council Tax Support scheme is not primarily intended for individuals who own multiple properties. Its purpose is to provide temporary additional assistance in cases where a resident becomes liable for council tax on two homes at the same time, in any of the following circumstances:

• They have left their original home through fear of violence, or
• Changes for disabled people are being made in their new home, like a wet bathroom or stairlift, or
• They have moved in the last four weeks and are liable to pay Council Tax for their original home as well as their new one

This proposal would mean that where a person is liable for Council Tax at their original home, as well as at the property they have liability for, such as in the above circumstances, they can claim CTS at both addresses for a temporary period, appropriate to the situation.

The provision of temporary additional support is intended to reduce the likelihood of individuals falling into council tax arrears on one or both properties. Eligible residents are less likely to miss out due to limited awareness because eligibility will checked and any further information requested if necessary, when the customer notifies the Benefits Service of a change relating to one of the circumstances that qualifies for support for two homes.

The deadline for responses is 28 January 2026.

Have your say

We would like to get your views on the proposal and ask that you complete the short survey.

If you would like to request a paper copy of the survey or need this information in another format or language then please contact us on 024 7683 1800 or email CTSConsultation@coventry.gov.uk