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Citizens Advice Newcastle is a local charity. We have been helping local people since 1939. All our advice is free, confidential and independent. Contact us Freephone, e-mail, webchat, text messaging and at our Walk-In centre at City Library.
Our team of specially trained staff and volunteers offer advice on almost any issue - including money, debt, benefits, housing, immigration, employment, consumer issues, family problems, social care and health services. Our Walk-In advice centre sessions are open 10 - 12, Monday - Friday. No appointment needed. We are currently short of volunteer advisors, so our services are restricted.
You may be able to cut your council tax and broadband costs With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are feeling under pressure as essential bills increase. Council tax is due to rise by up to 5% this April, adding to household costs at a time when budgets are already stretched. If you’re worried about keeping up, you’re not alone - and importantly, there is support available. From council tax discounts and reductions to cheaper broadband and phone deals, help may be closer than you think. Council tax discounts and reductions: what help is available? Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a council tax discount or reduction - and many people don’t realise they qualify. Council tax discounts based on who lives in your home Your council tax bill is partly based on the number of adults living in your property. ● If you’re the only adult in your home, you should get a 25% discount automatically. ● Some people don’t count when working out how many adults live in a property. These are known as ‘disregarded people’ and include: ○ Under 18s ○ Student nurses ○ Apprentices ○ Full-time students ○ Some carers and people with severe mental impairment If everyone in the property is disregarded, you’ll usually get a 50% discount. If everyone is a full-time student or considered severely mentally impaired , you won’t have to pay any council tax at all. You can find a full list of disregarded people on GOV.UK. If someone has moved out of your home , tell your council as soon as possible. This could change your eligibility for a discount. Even if you report it later, your council may backdate the reduction to the date the person moved out. If you think you may qualify, contact your local council as soon as you can. You can find their details on GOV.UK. Council Tax Reduction if you’re on a low income If you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you may be able to reduce your council tax bill further through a Council Tax Reduction scheme. Your local council will look at: ● Your income ● Any benefits you receive ● Who else lives with you They’ll then calculate how much council tax you need to pay and send you a revised bill. If you or your partner are under State Pension age , you may be eligible under the working-age rules if you receive: ● Universal Credit ● Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) ● Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) ● Income Support If you’ve reached State Pension age , different rules apply. You may still be entitled to a reduction even if you’re not receiving benefits. You can check what applies to you on GOV.UK or by contacting your council. Discretionary reductions and extra help Even if you don’t meet the standard criteria, your council can still reduce or cancel your council tax through a discretionary reduction . This usually applies if you’re experiencing severe financial hardship and genuinely can’t afford to pay. You’ll need to provide evidence of your circumstances, but it’s always worth asking for help. If your immigration status means you can’t access public funds, you can still apply for a discretionary reduction - it does not count as public funds. Council tax is a priority bill, so if you’re struggling to pay, it’s important to contact your council and seek independent debt advice as soon as possible. Social tariffs: cheaper broadband and phone deals If broadband or phone bills are becoming unaffordable, social tariffs could help. These are low-cost broadband and phone packages for people on certain benefits. You may be eligible if you receive: ● Universal Credit ● Pension Credit Most major providers also include people on: ● Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) ● Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) ● Income Support Some providers also accept disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance . The person receiving the benefit usually needs to be the main account holder. Social tariffs work just like standard packages - the same service, but at a lower price. With living costs remaining high, switching to a social tariff could make a real difference. How to switch ● Start by checking whether your current provider offers a social tariff. ● You can usually apply online or by calling your provider. ● If your provider doesn’t offer one, you can switch to another provider — and you may be able to leave your contract without paying a penalty. The organisation Faster Broadband has created a social broadband comparison tool, allowing you to compare deals by benefit type, provider and contract length. Don’t struggle alone - help is available Life can feel overwhelming, especially when money worries build up. At Citizens Advice, we believe no one should have to face these problems without clear, independent support. We’re here to give you the knowledge and confidence to find a way forward. Our advice is free, confidential and impartial, and available online, over the phone and in person. If you’re dealing with rising bills, debt, or aren’t sure what help you’re entitled to, you don’t have to manage it on your own. Often, the best step is to seek advice as early as possible. You can find details of how to contact Citizens Advice Newcastle on our website.
Citizens Advice Newcastle make a record of every inquiry brought to us. This adds up to a huge wealth of information about the problems people experience. We work proactively to prevent similar problems happening to others.
Citizens Advice Newcastle are always looking for enthusiastic and committed new volunteers. Volunteering with us is a great way to use your skills and experience to help others. You will learn new things every day, make new friends and be part of a great team.
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Registered Address: 4th Floor, City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX. Registered in England number: 2114435. Registered under the Charities Act number: 1135396. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN: 617674
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