March 2025
Are you struggling to pay your council tax bill? It’s a difficult time for people who are battling rising costs for food and essentials – as well as seeing their bills creep up.
There is support available and you might be entitled to pay less, or not at all, depending on your circumstances.
For example, if you’re the only adult living in your home, your council tax bill can be reduced by a quarter.
When the council works out how many people live in a property, there are certain ‘disregarded’ people that don’t count and this can reduce your council tax bill, such as under-18s, full-time students and people with severe mental impairments.
If you or someone you live with is disabled and your home has been adapted, you can ask to be placed down one band.
Swale Borough Council also offers Council Tax Support, which is designed for people on low incomes, and can reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay.
And lastly, if you’re struggling to pay for essentials, your council can reduce your bill further, or cancel it altogether, under what’s known as a ‘discretionary reduction’. This usually only happens if you can provide evidence that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax.
Whatever circumstances you’re in, if you’re struggling with your council tax payments, it’s important to let your council know. Citizens Advice Swale is also here to help you find a way forward, should you need our support.
Here’s how to contact us for advice:
Drop-in sessions (no appointment necessary)
Monday, 10am-12pm, Swale House, Sittingbourne
Tuesday, 10am-12pm, Sheppey Gateway, Sheerness (except the second Tuesday of every month, which is held at Sheerness East Working Mens Club)
Tuesday, 11.30am-1.30pm, Murston Family Hub, Tonge Road
Wednesday & Friday, 10am-12pm, 43 Stone Street, Faversham
Telephone advice
Call Adviceline on freephone 0808 278 7979 (Monday-Friday 10am-3.30pm)
Email advice
Contact us online at www.citizensadviceswale.uk/email-general-advice (Monday-Wednesday)
Debt advice
Request a call back from our money advice team at www.citizensadviceswale.uk/debt
To stay up to date with our opening times, please visit www.citizensadviceswale.uk or follow us on Facebook.
