Event

Council tax reduction and universal credit

This event hosted by UK think tank the Institute for Policy Research launches their new report ‘Council Tax Reduction and Universal Credit’.

Overview

Join us for the launch of a new IPR report, ‘Council Tax Reduction and Universal Credit: Winners and Losers of the Postcode Lottery’.

About the event

This new IPR report explores how low-earning households in England are experiencing and responding to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) – a means tested discount on council tax for eligible, low-income, working -age people.

In 2025-26, there were 313 separate CTR schemes in operation across England, each with their own eligibility and entitlement rules. Virtually all working-age people who get CTR are now Universal Credit (UC) claimants, but not all UC claimants receive CTR. Claimants who work are much less likely to qualify for help.

Little is known about low-earning households’ experiences of CTR. To help fill this evidence gap, this study explored how the different elements of scheme design in England are affecting take-up, household finances and work-related decision making among UC claimants who work.

The research, funded by Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust, comprised an online survey self-completed by 160 Universal Credit claimants in paid work or self-employment; telephone interviews with 30 survey respondents currently or recently in receipt of CTR; and video interviews with five key informants, including local authority officers and specialist advice agencies with in-depth knowledge and experience in the design and delivery of CTR schemes.

This online launch, chaired by Professor Nick Pearce, will include a presentation from the report authors, Dr Rita Griffiths and Dr Marsha Wood. A Q&A will follow with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions.