Council Tax and Benefits

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Last revised: 9 July 2008

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Welcome to the Kennet District Council Benefits website

We bill and collect council tax from almost 34,000 properties within the district as well as being responsible for the assessment of over 4200 housing benefit and council tax benefit claims

Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit
This is a benefit paid by your local Council, based on Government rules, that helps you meet the cost of your Council Tax.

It is paid to people who are liable for Council Tax, (the person whose name is on the bill), and who have a low income, whether they are working or not.

It is a means tested benefit, this means we will need to know about all your income and capital in order to see if you are entitled.


Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is similar to Council Tax Benefit except it is used to meet the cost of your rental accommodation

Housing Benefit can pay up to a 100% of your rent although it will not meet all the service costs your landlord might charge. If you are a private tenant we will pay up to a rent level that is at or below the local average

Who can claim benefits?

For further information click here for our advice leaflet (pdf, 257 KB)



Important Changes from 7 April 2008

Local Housing Allowance is being introduced from 7 April 2008, this will change the way that private sector rents are assessed and paid.  For further information please see our section on Local Housing Allowance where you can find information for tenants and landlords.