The cost of living crisis continues to have a profound impact on families right across the UK.
As bills skyrocket, many households will be looking through their finances to see where they can make savings.
But this will be good news to some as a reduction may be available for council tax as long as you meet a certain criteria.
READ MORE: Arriva pull buses from service as teens cause thousands of pounds worth of damage
The Mirror reports that this is one tip many households will be able to take advantage of to get some extra savings.
Those who live alone can get a 25% discount on your bill.
It is important to note that this isn't necessarily automatic, if you don't have the discount then tell your local council today.
And if someone moves out, you are able to apply for the discount the same day.
Another tip is spreading the payments, a simple trick that not many people are aware of.
Council tax is usually billed over ten months, with two free months at the end of the term, but if you are struggling, ask your council to spread the money over 12 months instead.
The Mirror also reports that some people are disregarded when working out council tax and so you may be able to apply for a council tax discount if you:
- If you are under 18 years old
- On (some) apprenticeships
- If you are 18 or 19 years old and in full-time education
- If you’re at college or university
- If you’re under 25 years old and get funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- If you’re a student nurse
- Some people who fall in to more vulnerable categories might also be included; this is defined by the Government as having a severe mental impairment.
You can find out if you qualify by clicking here.
Disability discount
If you or someone you live with has a disability, you may also get a discount on council tax, however, the rules around this usually depend on whether your property has been accommodated for the person with the disability or has extra space for things like wheelchairs.
Empty and holiday homes
You don’t get a discount for having a home that’s stood there empty, however, if you’re having major work done and can’t live in the property then your council might give you a discount.
This varies by council though, some councils offer discounts on second homes but for obvious reasons don’t shout about it.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
