Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation 2024/25

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This consultation has now concluded.

Bristol City Council currently provides a Council Tax Reduction scheme that helps people on a low-income with up to 100% of their Council Tax costs. This has been done despite the reduction in government funding since the scheme was introduced in 2013 and wider financial challenges to the council since then. Bristol City Council has been one of the few authorities not to reduce support since 2013.


It was agreed that the Council Tax Reduction scheme would be reviewed for 2024/25 as part of the council’s budget setting process. Changes can only be made to the scheme for working aged people. Pensioners are protected from changes under government rules.


The council continues to find itself in a challenging financial position. The budget agreed by the council in February 2023 was done so on the basis that the Council Tax Reduction scheme would be reviewed for working aged people. This was to make a saving of around £3 million after collection rates and monies collected on behalf of Avon Fire Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset are considered.


Consultation survey

The Council consulted on options for the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme between 1 August and 23 September 2023 (Phase 1). The consultation was then re-opened for four weeks from 30 October 2023 to 26 November 2023 (Phase 2) to allow further comment on the options. In Phase 2, the consultation survey included additional information and questions:

  • Further information on what the Council Tax Reduction Scheme is, and who it provides support to
  • Further information on the financial challenges that have led to us reviewing the scheme
  • Further information on the proposal for a Discretionary Fund to assist households who are unable to pay their Council Tax bills
  • Additional question asking what effect the proposals would have on people because of their protected characteristics

The responses to both phases were analysed. People could submit a new response in Phase 2, after reviewing the new information.

Easy Read versions of the consultation were available (see links below):

We also produced a British Sign Language version of the survey text and scenarios booklet:

People could request the information as a paper version, Braille, audio, another language or other alternative format by contacting the Consultation and Engagement Team at consultation@bristol.gov.uk or by calling 0117 922 2848.


Consultation report

The feedback we received is summarised in the consultation report.

Bristol City Council currently provides a Council Tax Reduction scheme that helps people on a low-income with up to 100% of their Council Tax costs. This has been done despite the reduction in government funding since the scheme was introduced in 2013 and wider financial challenges to the council since then. Bristol City Council has been one of the few authorities not to reduce support since 2013.


It was agreed that the Council Tax Reduction scheme would be reviewed for 2024/25 as part of the council’s budget setting process. Changes can only be made to the scheme for working aged people. Pensioners are protected from changes under government rules.


The council continues to find itself in a challenging financial position. The budget agreed by the council in February 2023 was done so on the basis that the Council Tax Reduction scheme would be reviewed for working aged people. This was to make a saving of around £3 million after collection rates and monies collected on behalf of Avon Fire Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset are considered.


Consultation survey

The Council consulted on options for the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme between 1 August and 23 September 2023 (Phase 1). The consultation was then re-opened for four weeks from 30 October 2023 to 26 November 2023 (Phase 2) to allow further comment on the options. In Phase 2, the consultation survey included additional information and questions:

  • Further information on what the Council Tax Reduction Scheme is, and who it provides support to
  • Further information on the financial challenges that have led to us reviewing the scheme
  • Further information on the proposal for a Discretionary Fund to assist households who are unable to pay their Council Tax bills
  • Additional question asking what effect the proposals would have on people because of their protected characteristics

The responses to both phases were analysed. People could submit a new response in Phase 2, after reviewing the new information.

Easy Read versions of the consultation were available (see links below):

We also produced a British Sign Language version of the survey text and scenarios booklet:

People could request the information as a paper version, Braille, audio, another language or other alternative format by contacting the Consultation and Engagement Team at consultation@bristol.gov.uk or by calling 0117 922 2848.


Consultation report

The feedback we received is summarised in the consultation report.