Law or policy

Council Tax Support scheme

8 stories · discussed at 2 council meetings · 5 councils

Councils are currently adjusting their Council Tax Support schemes, with some reducing support for low-income households while others maintain high levels or introduce new discounts.

Labour councillors claimed in July 2026 that Kensington and Chelsea Council's reduction of Council Tax support from 100% to 90% for low-income households, combined with a 4.99% council tax hike, would increase debt and homelessness. In contrast, Hammersmith and Fulham Council confirmed in January 2026 it would continue to offer 100% support to vulnerable residents for the 2026/27 financial year, representing a £10.27 million investment.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council also approved a new 25% Council Tax discount for veterans from April 2026, requiring an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card for eligibility. Bromley Council decided in December 2025 to review its Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year to assist low-income residents. Harrow Council is scheduled to discuss the scheme at a Council meeting on October 1, 2026.

The Council Tax Support scheme is administered by local authorities to provide financial assistance with council tax payments for eligible residents on low incomes. Councils regularly review and adjust their schemes to meet local needs and financial circumstances.

Key facts

  1. Labour councillors claimed in July 2026 that Kensington and Chelsea Council's reduction of Council Tax support from 100% to 90% would increase debt. Source
  2. Hammersmith and Fulham Council confirmed in January 2026 it would offer 100% Council Tax Support for 2026/27, a £10.27 million investment. Source
  3. Hammersmith and Fulham Council approved in January 2026 a new 25% Council Tax discount for veterans, effective from April 2026. Source
  4. Bromley Council decided in December 2025 to review its Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Council tax hike doubles burden on poorest, Labour claims Labour councillors have claimed that a recent council tax increase will disproportionately burden the poorest residents in Kensington and Chelsea, effectively doubling their... Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026
  2. Hammersmith and Fulham Council Approves 25% Council Tax Discount for Veterans Hammersmith and Fulham Council has approved a new 25% Council Tax discount for veterans, set to be introduced from April 2026. The decision was made during a Full Council... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  3. Hammersmith and Fulham Council Tax Base Rises Due to Property Growth and Improved Collections Hammersmith and Fulham Council anticipates a significant rise in its Council Tax base for the 2026/27 financial year, projecting an increase of 3,422 Band D equivalent... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  4. H&F Council to maintain 100% Council Tax Support for vulnerable residents Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed that its Council Tax Support scheme will continue to offer 100% support to vulnerable residents for the 2026/27 financial year. This... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  5. Bromley Council to Discuss Committee Appointments Bromley Council convened on Monday, 8 December 2025, at the Bromley Civic Centre to address several key issues, including appointments to various committees, the Council Tax... Bromley 13 December 2025
  6. Bromley Council to Review Code of Corporate Governance Bromley Council is set to review its Code of Corporate Governance, a move aimed at ensuring the council adheres to the highest standards of operation. The review was scheduled... Bromley 13 December 2025
  7. Bromley Council to Review Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 Bromley Council is set to review its Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year, aiming to provide assistance to residents on low incomes. The decision was made... Bromley 13 December 2025
  8. Council to Disregard Military Compensation for Benefit Assessments Enfield Council has moved to ensure fair access to benefits for its Armed Forces community, resolving to disregard military compensation when assessing applications for... Enfield 21 September 2025