A petition is gaining momentum online as it calls for all those above the State Pension age to benefit from a discounted rate of council tax. The petition – which has amassed more than 5,000 signatures – appeals to the Government to ensure that pensioners aren’t forced to fork out “a very significant percentage” of their income on the tax.
Currently, with 5,204 people having backed it, the petition is making waves towards its deadline on August 6. At that point, Government officials will decide on its further consideration or rejection if support falls short.
David Papworth, the founder of the petition, said: “I feel that current council tax rates do not take pension incomes into account. This means some pensioners are having to pay what I think is a very significant percentage of their pension towards council tax.”
He also expressed concern for long-term contributors to society, adding: “When many pensioners have worked for 50 odd years, paid into a pension, bought their own house, then retire on a lower income, I do not think they should have to pay such a significant amount of council tax.”
In unsettling news for homeowners, the Government has announced a hike in council tax bills by 5% come April, marking the third year running of increases – putting an average household out of pocket by an additional £109, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This means someone paying an annual band D bill, the standard measure of council tax, will pay ÂŁ109 more as the average bill is going up to ÂŁ2,280. This is an increase of ÂŁ109 from 2024-25 and a 20% rise from 2021-22, when the average bill was ÂŁ1,898. People over the State Pension age of 66 currently receive a max of ÂŁ230.25 a week following an increase in rates in April at the start of the new tax year.
You may already be eligible for a partial or complete reduction in the rate of your council tax if you fall into one a few categories or living situations. For example, those on low incomes, student households, and individuals with disabilities or caring responsibilities might be unaware that they don’t need to pay full price on their council tax bill.
If you have reached the age for State Pension Credit you may be able to get Council Tax Support to cover all your bill from your local council. However, your eligibility for a complete reduction in your bill will depend on if you or your partner get any of these benefits:.
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond to it, and at 100,000 the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
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