Council Tax support continues for low-income households

South Hams District Council is proposing to continue its Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2027/28, helping residents on low incomes with paying their Council Tax.

Every year, the council reviews its existing scheme and agrees whether to continue, revise or replace it considering national welfare reforms. The scheme is designed to reduce the amount of Council Tax paid by working-age residents who need extra help based on their household income.

At a meeting held on Thursday 29 October, the Executive agreed to the proposal. If agreed by Full Council in November, the current scheme will continue unchanged from1 April next year.

Around 4,824 working-age households across the South Hams currently receive support, while a further 2,197 pension-age households are covered by the national scheme

The council assesses the amount of help a working-age household can receive depending on its net income. The number of households receiving support has risen slightly, from 2,596 in April to 2,627 in September 2026, while the number of pension-age households receiving support has stayed the same.

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, South Hams District Council’s Lead Executive Member for Service Quality, said: “We know that many households are continuing to feel the pressure of rising living costs. Keeping the Council Tax Reduction Scheme unchanged will help our residents and make sure valuable support remains available to those on lower incomes.

“Our current scheme is clear, easy to understand and provides help towards Council Tax bills, while striking a sensible balance between supporting residents who need help and managing our Council finances carefully.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling to pay their Council Tax to contact us as there may be support available through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or, in special circumstances, through the Exceptional Hardship Fund.”

To find out more about Council Tax Reduction and the support available, visit the South Hams District Council website at www.southhams.gov.uk/cts.gov.uk