Struggling with rising bills?

You may be able to cut your council tax and broadband costs

With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are feeling under pressure as
essential bills increase. Council tax is due to rise by up to 5% this April, adding to household
costs at a time when budgets are already stretched.

If you’re worried about keeping up, you’re not alone - and importantly, there is support
available. From council tax discounts and reductions to cheaper broadband and phone
deals, help may be closer than you think.

Council tax discounts and reductions: what help is available?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a council tax discount or
reduction - and many people don’t realise they qualify.

Council tax discounts based on who lives in your home

Your council tax bill is partly based on the number of adults living in your property.

● If you’re the only adult in your home, you should get a 25% discount automatically.

● Some people don’t count when working out how many adults live in a property.
These are known as ‘disregarded people’ and include:

○ Under 18s

○ Student nurses

○ Apprentices

○ Full-time students

○ Some carers and people with severe mental impairment

If everyone in the property is disregarded, you’ll usually get a 50% discount. If everyone is
a full-time student or considered severely mentally impaired, you won’t have to pay any
council tax at all.

You can find a full list of disregarded people on GOV.UK.

If someone has moved out of your home, tell your council as soon as possible. This could
change your eligibility for a discount. Even if you report it later, your council may backdate
the reduction to the date the person moved out.

If you think you may qualify, contact your local council as soon as you can. You can find their
details on GOV.UK.

Council Tax Reduction if you’re on a low income

If you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you may be able to reduce your council tax
bill further through a Council Tax Reduction scheme.

Your local council will look at:

● Your income

● Any benefits you receive

● Who else lives with you

They’ll then calculate how much council tax you need to pay and send you a revised bill.
If you or your partner are under State Pension age, you may be eligible under the
working-age rules if you receive:

● Universal Credit

● Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

● Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

● Income Support

If you’ve reached State Pension age, different rules apply. You may still be entitled to a
reduction even if you’re not receiving benefits. You can check what applies to you on
GOV.UK or by contacting your council.

Discretionary reductions and extra help

Even if you don’t meet the standard criteria, your council can still reduce or cancel your
council tax through a discretionary reduction. This usually applies if you’re experiencing
severe financial hardship and genuinely can’t afford to pay.

You’ll need to provide evidence of your circumstances, but it’s always worth asking for help.

If your immigration status means you can’t access public funds, you can still apply for a
discretionary reduction - it does not count as public funds.

Council tax is a priority bill, so if you’re struggling to pay, it’s important to contact your
council and seek independent debt advice as soon as possible.

Social tariffs: cheaper broadband and phone deals

If broadband or phone bills are becoming unaffordable, social tariffs could help. These are
low-cost broadband and phone packages for people on certain benefits.
You may be eligible if you receive:

● Universal Credit

● Pension Credit

Most major providers also include people on:

● Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

● Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

● Income Support

Some providers also accept disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment
(PIP) or Attendance Allowance. The person receiving the benefit usually needs to be the
main account holder.

Social tariffs work just like standard packages - the same service, but at a lower price. With
living costs remaining high, switching to a social tariff could make a real difference.

How to switch

● Start by checking whether your current provider offers a social tariff.

● You can usually apply online or by calling your provider.

● If your provider doesn’t offer one, you can switch to another provider — and you
may be able to leave your contract without paying a penalty.

The organisation Faster Broadband has created a social broadband comparison tool,
allowing you to compare deals by benefit type, provider and contract length.

Don’t struggle alone - help is available

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when money worries build up. At Citizens Advice, we
believe no one should have to face these problems without clear, independent support.

We’re here to give you the knowledge and confidence to find a way forward. Our advice is
free, confidential and impartial, and available online, over the phone and in person.

If you’re dealing with rising bills, debt, or aren’t sure what help you’re entitled to, you don’t
have to manage it on your own. Often, the best step is to seek advice as early as possible.
You can find details of how to contact Citizens Advice Newcastle on our website.