You may apply for a discretionary Council Tax discount award via the Council Tax Reduction Fund if:
- you are experiencing severe financial difficulties
- you have experienced a significant reduction in entitlement to Council Tax Support due to changes made to the London Borough of Harrow scheme from 1st April 2025
Before you start
To apply for the Council Tax Reduction Fund:
- make sure you have already claimed any Council Tax Support and Council Tax discounts, reliefs and exemptions that you may be eligible for.
- you should have contacted a debt advice agency and will be asked to upload proof of the advice they gave you, if you have.
- you will need your Council Tax Reference number
- have information about your finances. You will be asked to upload proof, such as:
- Two months bank statements for all accounts held
- Evidence of priority expenditure (rent, mortgage, utility bills)
- Evidence of all income received
- Evidence of debts and repayments
- Evidence of savings, capital, stocks, shares, value of property
- Any other additional information to support your application
Who can apply?
People who are responsible to pay Council Tax to London Borough of Harrow. This may include for example:
- Owners (i.e. freeholders and leaseholders)
- Tenants and licencees
- Residents (i.e. not within the above descriptions)
- Persons acting on behalf of any of the above (i.e. an appointee, solicitor, or someone with power of attorney)
Who cannot apply?
Any person not liable to pay Council Tax to London Borough of Harrow, but also specifically:
- Landlords of properties where the tenant is liable for Council Tax
- Landlords, if liable for the payment of Council Tax
- Estate agents/managing agents acting on behalf of a landlord
- Previous London Borough of Harrow Taxpayers who are no longer resident or liable for ongoing Council Tax in Harrow at the time of application
- Friends/relatives of the person liable for payment of Council Tax (unless acting as an appointee or under a power of attorney)
- Support agencies (unless acting as an appointee or under a power of attorney)
- Banks or other holders of a mortgage or other legal charge on a property
- Owners or those in possession of empty properties (including long-term empty and furnished second homes)
Consideration of applications
Applications will be considered as soon as possible, and subject to all supporting information being received.
You will be notified of the decision in writing and a revised bill will be sent to you showing the amount granted (if applicable).
Appeals procedure
If you want to appeal against a decision regarding your application, you must do so within 28 days from the date of the decision. The appeal must be made in writing to the Council Tax office at London Borough of Harrow. The appeal can also be submitted online together with supporting information.
The Council will review your appeal and write to you with their decision. If they don't uphold your appeal, you may submit an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. The council will explain the Valuation Tribunal process when they contact you.
You remain responsible for payments of council tax throughout the appeal process. You should continue making payment until informed otherwise.