If you are experiencing severe financial difficulties you can apply for the Council Tax Reduction Fund.
Applications will only be granted to those whose finances are such that if they do pay their Council Tax it could threaten their ability to stay in their home.
Before you start
To apply for the Council Tax Reduction Fund:
- make sure you have already claimed any Council Tax Support and Council Tax discounts, reliefs and exemptions that you may qualify for.
- you must have contacted a debt advice agency. You will be asked to upload proof of the advice they gave you.
- you will need your Council Tax Reference number
- have information about your finances. You will be asked to upload proof, such as:
- Two months bank statements for all accounts held
- Evidence of priority expenditure (rent, mortgage, utility bills)
- Evidence of all income received
- Evidence of debts and repayments
- Evidence of savings, capital, stocks, shares, value of property
- Any other additional information to support your application
Who can apply?
People who are responsible to pay Council Tax to London Borough of Harrow. This includes:
- Owner occupiers
- Tenants
- Liable residents (but not formally a ‘tenant’)
- Persons acting on behalf of a liable person i.e. an appointee, solicitor or someone with power of attorney
Who cannot apply?
Any person not liable to pay Council Tax to London Borough of Harrow, but also specifically:
- Landlords of properties where the tenant is liable
- Landlords, if liable
- Estate agents/managing agents on behalf of a landlord
- Previous London Borough of Harrow Tax payers who are no longer resident or liable for ongoing Council Tax in Harrow at the time of application
- Friends/relatives of the liable person (unless acting as an appointee or under a power of attorney)
- Support agencies (unless acting as an appointee or under a power of attorney)
- Banks or other holders of a mortgage or other legal charge on a property
- Owners or those in possession of empty properties (including long-term empty and furnished second homes)
Consideration of applications
Applications will be considered as soon as possible, and subject to all supporting information being received.
You will be notified of the decision in writing and a revised bill will be sent to you showing the amount granted (if applicable). It will appear on the bill as:
“Write off - Section 13A Relief”
Appeals procedure
If you want to appeal against our decision you must do so within 28 days from the date of the letter. The appeal must be made in writing to the Council Tax office at London Borough of Harrow. The appeal can also be submitted online together with supporting information.
The Council will review your appeal and write to you with their decision. If they don't uphold your appeal, you may submit an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. The council will explain the Valuation Tribunal process when they contact you.
You remain responsible for payments of council tax throughout the appeal process. Therefore you must keep paying Council Tax to the council.