LLA welcomes Independent Age report on Council Tax Reduction

Later Life Ambitions welcomes Independent Age’s new report, Missing out on millions, which highlights the scale of Council Tax Reduction going unclaimed by older people on low incomes.

The report finds that only half of people over State Pension age in England who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction are receiving it. It estimates that older people in England are missing out on £1.71 billion in support, rising to £1.97 billion across Great Britain. Increasing take-up to 100% among those over State Pension age could reduce the number of older households in relative poverty by 74,000.

These findings underline the case for practical action to improve take-up of existing support. They also align with the principles set out in LLA’s own Budget for Later Life: that older people should have access to the financial support they are entitled to, and that public services should be designed around the needs of those most at risk of missing out.

LLA supports Independent Age’s call for reforms including a national take-up strategy, improved data sharing, simpler applications, stronger awareness-raising and recognition of Council Tax Reduction as part of wider income maximisation. Local authorities also have an important role in adopting best practice and supporting older residents to access wider social security entitlements.

At a time when many older people continue to face pressure on household budgets, improving take-up of Council Tax Reduction would be a practical step towards reducing pensioner poverty and supporting people in later life.