Council Tax Support Scheme

The council is asking residents for their views on proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) for working-age people.

Feedback from this consultation will help shape the final scheme for the district. 

A Council Tax Support Scheme helps people who cannot afford to pay their council tax by giving them a discount, mainly based on household income. Currently, the maximum discount is 90 per cent for working-age households, which means they pay 10 per cent of their council tax bill. 

The council is considering changes to modernise and simplify the scheme so that it works alongside Universal Credit, which most Council Tax Support Scheme recipients will be receiving by April 2026. 

The proposals also include increasing the maximum level of support to 100 per cent, meaning some households would not have to pay any council tax. 

Why changes are being proposed 

The current scheme, in place since 2020, is complex and not fully compatible with Universal Credit. 

Without changes, some residents will continue to receive less support than originally intended when they move to Universal Credit. 

Updating the scheme will ensure it is fairer, simpler and provides more help to those who need it most. 

For more information, please read the accompanying booklet.

Have your say 

Give us your views by completing our survey by 5pm on Monday 17 November 2025. 

Alternatively, you can email your comments to consultations@canterbury.gov.uk or write to Policy Team, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR.

Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on request. If you would like a copy, please email consultations@canterbury.gov.uk. 

You can also see the list of questions before you start.

Published: 6 October 2025