Council Tax Reduction Scheme Campaign!

From 1st April 2026, Wirral Council have changed their policy around Council Tax Reduction.

Now, all working age adults have to pay council tax Wirral Council*. have reduced council tax support from a maximum of 82.50% off your council bill to only 50% meaning that residents living on the lowest income will have to pay a minimum of £50-80 per month. This is a huge increase to the cost of living for low income residents as 2 years ago when council tax reduction was a maximum of 100% meaning that some people didn’t have to pay anything.

We have surveyed 115 people over the past four months which demonstrated how council tax bills are pushing people to use foodbanks. Data from our surveys show:

The public consultation revealed that Wirral people overwhelmingly opposed the change (853 responses with 71% opposing).

Whilst many people associate Wirral with wealth, the borough is in fact home to some of the top 1% deprived areas in the country (central Birkenhead). Wirral Foodbank consistently supports 200-300 people every week with emergency food. We cannot fail our neighbours and community and continue to worsen poverty. Is this how a fair society looks?

We predict that many people will not be able to pay the increased costs, leaving the council without the extra funds they desire. Others will unknowingly pay through deductions of Universal Credit etc and be left with even less money than they are currently paying. Our recent short survey in Bidston St James Birkenhead showed that most people do not know how much council tax they pay as it comes out of their Universal Credit as an automatic deduction. This was very concerning to us as it only happens when you are in debt. A recent food bank client who is a carer for their husband, told us that increases to Council Tax led them to use the food bank.

Can I apply to the Council Tax Reduction scheme?

If you’re on a low household income, you may be able to get help with your Council Tax through Council Tax Reduction (CTR), potentially reducing your bill by up to 50%. 

You won’t get this automatically, you need to apply.

You may be able to claim whether you rent or own your home, and whether you’re working or not. What you’re entitled to depends on your circumstances, including:
 

• Whether you’re responsible for paying the Council Tax
• Your age and whether you’re working age
• Your household income and any benefits you receive
• Your savings, pension or other capital 
• Who lives in your household

•  Don’t miss out – apply to Wirral Council:
  https://www.wirral.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/council-tax-reduction/apply-council-tax
  -reduction

   

Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief

If you’re facing exceptional financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances, Wirral Council may be able to provide a one-off reduction in the amount of Council Tax you have to pay.

This is called Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief.

You may be considered for help if:
• You’re experiencing exceptional financial or personal circumstances
• You’ve explored other discounts, reductions and support available
• The situation is outside your control
• You don’t have other accessible assets that could be used to pay your Council Tax
 

 You can still apply if you already receive Council Tax Reduction.

Each application is considered individually and the support is intended to be short  term, rather than an ongoing reduction.

*There are some circumstances where you may not have to pay 50% council tax. See full list of council tax and exemptions here: Council Tax discounts and exemptions | wirral.gov.uk 
 

Action

Help share our communications that have been produced by Citizens Advice Wirral about Council Tax Reduction, how to apply to the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief. Speak to your family and friends.

Where you can share:

• Schools
• GPs
• Bus shelters
• Community cafes
• Social Media – Facebook groups
• Other general public spaces

We will be running surveys across our food bank centres and will be sharing the results with councillors about how the increased cost of council tax is impacting on levels of poverty in the Wirral.