Arun District Council updates Council Tax Reduction scheme to better support carers
Arun District Council is introducing changes to its Local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme to improve support for working-age carers on low incomes.
From 1 April 2026, Carer's Allowance and the Carer's Element of Universal Credit will no longer be counted as income when assessing eligibility for Council Tax Reduction. The change recognises the vital role carers play and aims to ensure they receive fairer financial support.
Councillor Carol Birch, Chair of the Housing and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Carers provide invaluable support to family members and loved ones, often at significant personal and financial cost. By removing Carer's Allowance and the Carer's Element of Universal Credit from our Council Tax Reduction assessments, we are helping carers get the support they deserve and are not penalised for the care they provide.”
Residents who already receive Council Tax Reduction do not need to take any action. Their entitlement will be updated automatically from April 2026.
However, carers who have not applied before, or who were previously told they were not eligible because their income was too high, may now qualify under the updated scheme. Arun District Council is encouraging residents to check their eligibility.
These changes take effect on 1 April 2026, but most national benefit rates will not change until 6 April 2026. This means some online benefit calculators may not be fully up to date between these dates. If residents are unsure about their entitlement after 6 April, they are advised to try completing an online benefit check again or seek support from organisations such as Citizens Advice.
Other changes which will take effect from 1 April 2006 include:
- any armed forces pensions and compensation payments you receive will not be included in your assessment
- the maximum award has increased from 90% of your charge to 100% (so where people previously paid a small amount of their charge, those on the lowest income may no longer have to pay anything)
- the minimum award has reduced from £5.00 to £1.00, so now if you qualify for anything higher that £1.00 per week, you will receive an award
- the Limited Capability for Work and work-related activity elements of Universal Credit will not affect your assessment
Further information and online applications are available on the Council Tax Reduction page of the Arun District Council website.
For more information and to apply, visit: Council Tax Reduction | Arun District Council