New Council Tax Reduction Scheme more equitable to support those in need

Salford City Council’s Council proposals to make significant changes to its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme are now approved and come into effect on 1 April 2025.
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is the way that councils help households on low incomes to pay their council tax bill. Residents were consulted on the proposals for the new scheme which will play a vital role in alleviating financial pressures for vulnerable households.
The new, fairer and more flexible income-banded scheme in place for 2025/26 only assesses on income available to pay general bills. It uses Universal Credit notifications from the Department for Work and Pensions as the main way to determine household eligibility for CTR. 
This change reduces the burden on the claimant, minimising the risk of them missing out on support and aligns with the move of most benefits to Universal Credit.
Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration, Jack Youd, said: “We’re proud to have created a more equitable scheme which targets support to those in need, in line with our priority to tackle poverty and inequality. 
“Our new scheme uses the Universal Credit breakdown to identify those with the lowest income available for general expenses and bills so the assessment of eligibility is fair across all claims and household types. 
“Providing different income bands for different household make-ups recognises differences in expense levels as well as capacities and limitations for earning and accessing more income. This creates more stability in the amount of support a household will receive.

It also helps us get on the front foot with early intervention and prevention of debt in line with the council’s anti-poverty strategy.”