Half of eligible pensioners are missing out on Council Tax Reduction

Too many older people are missing out on support they are eligible for. Council Tax Support is one of the most under-claimed forms of help available to low-income pensioners.

To understand this gap, Independent Age, a charity helping older people facing poverty and financial hardship, partnered with Policy in Practice. Together, we set out to measure exactly how much Council Tax Support goes unclaimed by pensioners on low incomes.

This research combines publicly available data with Policy in Practice’s administrative data, partnerships, proprietary analytical methods, and sector expertise. The result is a clear, evidence-based picture of:

• Council Tax Support take-up across the country
• The number of people missing out on support they qualify for
• The total unclaimed financial support reaching those over State Pension Age

These findings give councils the insight to target help where it is needed most, boost take-up among pensioners, and put money back in the pockets of residents who need it.