Tameside Council commits £18.5m to support households with Council Tax

Tameside Council is set to invest £18.5 million into its Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, strengthening help for residents facing financial hardship.

The revised scheme, introduced last year, has been confirmed for a further year after continuing to provide vital support to low-income households while simplifying the application process and reducing administration.

Under the scheme, working-age claimants can receive up to 75 per cent off their Council Tax bill, capped at Band A, depending on their income and personal circumstances. Pension-age residents continue to receive full protection in line with national regulations.

More than 17,000 residents across Tameside currently benefit from the scheme, with claimant numbers rising over the past year as households continue to feel the pressure of increased living costs.

Councillor Hugh Roderick, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said the scheme remains a crucial safety net for residents.

“Many households are still feeling the strain from rising costs, and we see that every day in the work we do,” he said. “Our Council Tax Support Scheme remains a vital safety net for thousands of residents, and keeping the updated scheme in place means we can continue to help those who rely on it. This investment is about giving people stability and preventing them from being pushed into debt they can’t manage.”

Alongside the main scheme, the Council also operates a hardship fund to support residents experiencing exceptional financial difficulty. This additional help is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure support is available when it is needed most.

Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax are encouraged to contact the Council’s Benefits Team for advice and support by emailing benefits@tameside.gov.uk, calling 0161 342 3708, or visiting www.tameside.gov.uk/benefits.

People can also check their eligibility and apply for Council Tax Support online at tamesideclaims.teamnetsol.com/index.jsp.

Further guidance on managing finances and accessing local support is available through the Council’s Helping Hand webpages at www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand.