FAQs
Your income
Your savings and investments
The amount of your Council Tax
Other people who live with you
Who has to pay Council Tax?
Council Tax is a charge which is usually paid by the people living in the property. The full charged assumes that there are at least two adults living in the property. If there is only one occupant in the home, they may be eligible for a 25% discount. There are exemptions and discounts for properties that are empty or occupied by certain people.
What is Council Tax Support?
Council Tax Support is a local Council Tax discount which replaced Council Tax Benefit from 1 April 2013 and where applicable, it is shown as a reduction on your Council Tax bill. It is it based upon your household income (means tested) to help you pay your Council Tax and the amount you get depends on things like:
What do you mean by pension age?
The current pension age in the UK is 66 years old for both men and women.
Do the proposed changes apply to pensioners?
No. The Council Tax Support scheme for people of pension age is set by central Government, so the proposed changes do not affect pension age households.
Will the proposed changes mean I will have to pay more Council Tax?
Most working age households who are currently receiving Council Tax Support are in Income Band 1. As the reduction in maximum support from 80% to 75% only affects this income band, most working age households who are currently receiving Council Tax Support, will have to pay more towards their Council Tax
What if I cannot afford to pay more towards my Council Tax?
If you are experiencing difficulties, please make early contact with the Council Tax department. If you talk to us, we will do our best to ensure you're getting the right support and to agree with you on an affordable payment plan.
Your annual council tax bill will usually be spread over 10 monthly instalments. We might be able to spread this over 12 monthly instalments if you contact us.
For more details about this, visit our website: https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-tax/problems-paying-council-tax
What if I contact you about my Council Tax to arrange a payment plan but still face hardship?
The Council operates a dedicated section 13a 1 c (hardship fund) policy to support those in the greatest need. The Council will aim to provide households with the right support and agree where possible, affordable payment plans.
If I fall behind with my Council Tax payments, will I face additional charges such as court costs?
The Council Tax department will not apply court costs for anyone receiving Council Tax Support that is summonsed for non-payment of council tax.
How will I know how much Council Tax Support I am due?
A letter will tell you of your Council Tax Support award and details of how it has been calculated. You will also be issued a revised Council Tax bill.
What can I do if I do not agree with the level of Council Tax Support I am awarded?
You can ask for a revision of the decision. You will need to tell us the reasons why you think your Council Tax Support is wrong and provide any relevant supporting documents.
If you still do not agree with our decision after we have looked at your revision request, you can submit an appeal which will be looked at by the Valuation Tribunal, who are independent to the council.
I don’t get Council Tax Support, but can I still take part?
Council Tax Support is paid for by every taxpayer in Coventry so it’s important you still get involved and have your say, regardless of whether you receive it or not.
We are keen for all interested parties to have the chance to tell us their views as we look at spending and budgets for next year (2025/26). Proposed changes could affect you even if you do not receive Council Tax Support, as it may mean either paying more Council Tax or more significant cuts to local services.
Why does the consultation document show figures for 2025/26?
The proposal to change the Council Tax Support scheme is from the start of the financial year 2025/26. If any changes to the scheme are applied, they will take effect from 1 April 2025.
As is the case for most years, the amounts for income, benefits, applicable amounts and council tax change, regardless of the proposed changes covered by this consultation, so we cannot confirm exactly how much council tax someone is likely to pay in 2025/26. Any figures quoted are intended to show the potential impact of the changes to the scheme.
How will the proposal to give additional support for 2 homes affect me?
This proposal will only affect you if you are liable for Council Tax at two homes and your circumstances fit the criteria outlined. If this is the case, you will be able to claim CTS at both addresses.