Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme end

Quackkers3

My local council's CTR scheme has been ended. They did a consultation where I gave my opinion opposing the scheme, and I also saw my MP who said he was going to try squash it. He must have been successful as got a letter saying will have to pay, don't know how much yet though. This on top of the SMI debacle is causing me a lot of stress. I know council tax is a priority debt, but what do I do if I can't afford it? I've just had my PIP daily living and mobility increased, but I need to raise £5,000 and then pay out all my mobility component for a wheelchair I need. Every time my mortgage rate goes up by 0.25% the payment goes up around £3 a month, and they keep saying it's going to go up again. I'm dreading my winter and gas bill cos I know I used 2-3 times what I did last year because it's been so cold since October, and I've been unwell for all but 2 weeks since then. I am scared that I'm not going to be able to afford the bill. For me the priority is getting the wheelchair so I can get out of the house, but I don't think they will see it like that. Any advice please?

Nystagmite

You need to talk to your council to see if there's any help for people on a low income struggling to pay their council tax.

mikehughescq

Councils cannot end their CTR scheme. They have a legal obligation.They can revise it and, as increase the minimum payment everyone pays, or, perhaps scale back the discount scheme. They cannot possibly have ended it completely though. 

Quackkers3

Yes you are correct they are reducing it. I was on a 100% reduction which was a godsend as it has alliwrd me to be able to stay in my home. I spoke to council I have to wait until I get the bill. They were unable to telk me what it would be.

Nystagmite

There's an option for you to pay your council tax over 12 months instead of 10, if that would be of any help to you.

mikehughescq

There may not be. CTR is localised now. Every single scheme is different.