Council tax and benefits
Council tax is collected by your council. It helps to meet the cost of local services and also to pay for the fire brigade and police. There will be one council tax bill for each domestic property whether it is owned, rented or empty. This section of the web site will give you more information about council tax.
Housing costs (rent and council tax) are a large part of most people's expenses. If you are on a low income you may find these costs very difficult to manage. Here you can find out how Southampton City Council benefits service helps people meet their housing costs.
The Web Benefits Calculator
The Benefit Instant Calculator will calculate whether you are eligible for Housing and or Council Tax Benefit and the amount you could receive. Remember that the final calculation given will be based on the information you supply and should only be treated as a rough guide of entitlement to Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit.
Benefits
You may be able to get help with paying your Council Tax if you claim Council Tax Benefit. Private tenants and council tenants may also get help with paying their rent by claiming Housing Benefit. These benefits are based on your income, level of rent and/or council tax and your personal situation.
Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance is a new way of working out Housing Benefit entitlement for private sector claimants. This will take effect from 7 April 2008.
Council Tax
Council Tax is a local tax, set by councils to help pay for local services like policing and refuse collection. It applies to all domestic properties, including houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes or houseboats, whether owned or rented.
Business rates
Information on how to pay, small business rate relief and exemptions.
Last updated: 11 July 2008
