Council tax is going up by 4.9% in April. This means the average bill will increase by £111. Some councils can increase it more to help their finances. Council tax is rising, and this will affect many households.

While bills are going up, some people may not know they can get help. There are four main groups that can get help with their council tax.

Council tax help is for people with low incomes or those getting certain benefits. The rules for this help are different in each area.

People can get a discount based on who they live with.

The government website has a tool to help people find out about local council tax help. This help can reduce council tax bills by up to 100%.

Some factors can affect how much help you get:

Many benefits can help you qualify for council tax support, but this varies by council. These benefits include Universal Credit and Income Support.

People with disabilities or caring duties may also get council tax help. They need to claim certain benefits to prove their situation.

If you live alone, you might get a 25% discount on your council tax. You need to apply for this discount and tell the council about any changes.

To get this discount, you must be the only adult living in the property as your main home. If someone moves in and you don't tell the council, you might get a penalty.

Some people are not counted for council tax, which means the household might still get a discount.

Low-income households or those getting certain benefits might get a reduction.

Some people are not counted for council tax.

If everyone in the household is not counted, you can get 50% off your council tax. If one person is still counted, you get a 25% discount.