Public consultation opens on Council Tax Support Scheme

The scheme is a way to help people on low incomes pay their Council Tax, with a discount based on household income.

Currently, the maximum level of council tax discount is 85% for working age households and the proposal is to reduce this to a maximum of 80%. Proposals would also see the smallest amount of help going up from 50p a week to £2 a week. Instead of 7 discount levels, there would be 4 levels, and the income limits for each would change in line with inflation.

The council needs to reduce the amount it spends on council tax support as the amount of government funding it receives has been reduced over recent years.

The proposed changes would affect working age people only. Pension age claimants apply to a separate scheme that is not being looked at.

Councillor Carol Wardle, cabinet member for finance at Rochdale Borough Council, said:

“Because we’re thinking about making some changes to the scheme, we want to get views from residents. Everyone, whether they are in receipt of Local Council Tax Support or not, is welcome to give their views. It’s important everyone shares feedback on how this would affect them and how we could address any impacts, so everything can be taken into consideration before final recommendations are made. Lots of people need our help and things are getting more expensive. We want to see if we can make changes to save money and keep our budget balanced. What residents tell us will help us decide how to give support to households who need it, so that it’s fair and works well for everyone.”

Once the consultation ends, councillors will review the feedback before making final decisions about the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

The online survey is open until Friday, 16 January 2026.