Coventry Council Urges Residents to Claim Unused Tax Support

Many households in Coventry are unintentionally overpaying on their council tax, as revealed by the city council’s head of revenues and benefits, Barrie Strain. Approximately 24,000 homeowners benefit from council tax support, costing the council around £28 million annually. Despite this, officials are concerned that many eligible residents are not claiming the assistance they are entitled to.

At a recent meeting of the council’s scrutiny co-ordination committee, Strain highlighted a particular demographic that is underrepresented in claims for council tax support. He noted that elderly residents often hesitate to seek financial assistance. “There is a mindset sometimes among elderly people that they don’t want to claim or that they don’t need help,” Strain stated. This reluctance can stem from a perception that seeking support reflects a personal failure.

Strain emphasized the challenge of reaching out to those who are entitled to assistance but remain disengaged from the process. He expressed frustration at the situation, stating, “They have worked all their lives and are entitled to some help in the latter stages of their life.”

In his report, Strain outlined the various forms of financial aid the council offers, which include discretionary housing payments, housing benefit, the household support fund, community support grants, and the administration of free school meals. He specifically pointed out that council tax support is significantly under-claimed.

“There are a number of reasons for this,” he explained. Many residents are unaware of their eligibility for help with council tax or do not prioritize making claims. Unlike other forms of financial assistance, such as support for rent or living costs, the consequences of not paying council tax are less immediate and visible. For many, other debts take precedence, causing them to overlook potential savings on their council tax bills.

The issue has been exacerbated by changes in the welfare system, particularly the transition from housing benefit to Universal Credit for working-age individuals. Strain noted that while many claim Universal Credit, they often neglect to apply for council tax support, either due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the process.

To address this growing concern, Coventry City Council is taking proactive measures. Strain mentioned that the council is working to automatically award council tax support to eligible residents, even if they have not completed a formal application. Additionally, a guide detailing available support options has been made accessible to help residents understand and utilize the benefits they may qualify for.

As Coventry City Council continues its efforts to ensure that all eligible residents receive the assistance they need, the focus remains on overcoming the barriers that prevent individuals, particularly the elderly, from accessing vital financial support.