Discretionary reduction for hardship
If you are suffering hardship as a result of exceptional circumstances, we will consider reducing your Council Tax with a discretionary discount using our hardship fund.
Each case will be decided on its individual merits, but you must meet some or all of our qualifying criteria.
This means we will look at whether:
- there is evidence of financial hardship or personal circumstances that justifies a reduction in your Council Tax liability
- you satisfy us that you have taken all reasonable steps to resolve your situation prior to applying
- you have applied for localised Council Tax support
- you have already applied for and been awarded any other discounts or reliefs you are eligible for
- you have access to other assets which you could use to pay your Council Tax
- you have investigated all other legitimate means of resolving your situation
- our finances need to allow for a reduction to be made
- your situation and reason for your application are outside of your control
- the amount outstanding is the result of wilful refusal to pay or culpable neglect
- in the case of an unoccupied property, it is not the sole or main residence of a Council Tax payer
You can find out more about the discretionary discount scheme (hardship fund) in our policy:
Download hardship discretionary discount policy (PDF 41.7KB)
Contact us
Telephone: 0300 300 8306
Email: counciltax@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Please quote your Council Tax account reference in all correspondence – your account reference is 8 or 9 digits long and starts with a 4, 7 or 8. You can find it on your Council Tax bill or any letter we’ve sent about your Council Tax.