Exceptional hardship
If you are suffering extreme financial hardship as a direct result of the implementation of the Council Tax Reduction scheme, you can make an application for a section 13A exceptional hardship award.
Who can apply
To be considered, you must:
- Have been receiving Council Tax Reduction on 31 March 2026
- Have less than £1,000 in capital (If you have more than £1,000, you will be considered able to meet your Council Tax liability)
- Be experiencing extreme financial hardship as a direct result of the Council Tax Reduction scheme being implemented
- Be struggling to pay the additional Council Tax you are now required to pay, not solely because your reduction has changed
As part of your application, we will ask for evidence of your household income and essential expenses. This helps us understand your financial situation and assess whether you can afford the additional Council Tax.
We offer a range of financial support for residents facing money difficulties, and in some cases other types of help may be more suitable. When you apply, we will look at your income and essential expenses to understand whether you can afford the additional Council Tax.
We may also refer you to organisations that can provide further help. For example, Citizens Advice can support you with debt advice, budgeting, and checking whether you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
If you are not working, we may suggest you contact our Working Well service, which offers support with employment, wellbeing, debt, and barriers to work.
If you are a council tenant, we may refer you to our Tenancy and Financial Support Service in Housing. They can help with budgeting, benefits advice, and any rent issues you may have.
Council Tax Reduction Exceptional Hardship Payment application form.