Working Age Council Tax Support Scheme

Working Age Council Tax Support Scheme – From 1 April 2026

Overview

From 1 April 2026, we have changed the way we work out Council Tax Support (CTS). All Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) income will be disregarded when assessing CTS.

DWP income not counted

DWP income includes, but is not limited to:

• Universal Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Personal Independence Payments

If DWP income is your only income, you will be entitled to 70% Council Tax Support. Minus any non-dependant deductions.

Assessable income

Any non-DWP income you or your partner receive will be used in the assessment. This includes:

• earnings from employment
• self-employed earnings
• private pensions

Universal Credit claimants

We will use the same income and capital figures that the DWP use for your UC award. If the income is not correct, you must contact the DWP.

Self-employed income

From 1 April 2026 we will apply a Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for businesses active over 12 months. The MIF is what someone would earn working 35 hours per week at National Minimum Wage after tax and NI.

Capital

The capital limit for CTS is £6,000. Anyone with more than this will not qualify.

Non-dependant deductions

All non-dependant deductions will be £7.50 per week from 1 April 2026. No deduction applies if you or your partner are registered blind (or treated as blind), or in receipt of:

• Attendance Allowance
• the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance
• the Daily Living Component of Personal Independence Payment

Full scheme

Please see the complete Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/27.