Full Breakdown
Inaccurate Council Tax Information Leaves Carers Missing Out on Discounts
1/12/2026, 11:20:30 PM
Overview of the Issue
An investigation by MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) has revealed that many councils in England and Wales are providing incorrect information regarding the live-in Carer Council Tax discount. This discount can significantly reduce council tax bills by 25% or 50%, translating to savings of approximately £500 to £1,000 annually. The investigation found that at least 69 councils displayed inaccurate eligibility criteria, while an additional 80 councils failed to provide necessary information about qualifying benefits, potentially deterring many of the UK's estimated five million unpaid carers from claiming their entitled discounts.
Background on Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the live-in Carer Council Tax discount, applicants must provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care each week to someone living in their household who is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18. The person receiving care must also be on specific disability-related benefits. Changes made in 2013 expanded the list of qualifying benefits, which now includes lower rates of Attendance Allowance and the Personal Independence Payment, among others. However, many councils continue to reference outdated eligibility criteria, leading to confusion and misinformation.
Criticism from Experts
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has criticized local councils for their failure to provide accurate information. He stated, “Unpaid carers can’t trust councils’ information about Carers’ Council Tax discounts,” urging those who believe they are ineligible to recheck their status. Lewis emphasized the significant contribution of unpaid carers to the economy, noting that they provide support worth an estimated £184 billion annually. He has reached out to the councils involved, requesting updates to their online guidance.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, echoed these concerns, highlighting that many unpaid carers face financial disadvantages due to the costs associated with caring, which can include higher living expenses. She stated, “It’s simply unacceptable that carers are presented with the wrong information when they are so urgently in need of help.”
Official Responses and Next Steps
In response to the findings, MSE has contacted the councils identified in the investigation, urging them to rectify the inaccuracies on their websites. Additionally, they plan to report the issue to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, advocating for clearer and more accessible information regarding council tax discounts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigation indicates that at least one in five councils are providing incorrect information, the exact number of affected individuals remains unclear. The discrepancies in the reported figures highlight the need for further investigation into the extent of the issue and the impact on unpaid carers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said: “Unpaid carers can't trust councils' information about carers’ council tax discounts.” — Martin Lewis, Founder of MoneySavingExpert
- “It’s simply unacceptable that carers are presented with the wrong information when they are so urgently in need of help.” — Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK
- “Thirty-five hours a week of unpaid caring is no small feat.” — Martin Lewis, Founder of MoneySavingExpert
This situation underscores the critical need for accurate information to support unpaid carers, who play an essential role in the UK's care system.
