Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
Today, I am publishing the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Statistical Report for 2024-25.
Since 2013-14, the Welsh Government has protected vulnerable and low‑income households across Wales by maintaining full entitlements to support with their council tax bills, under our national Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), a choice that has been made every year for more than a decade.
We have continued to support the scheme with the provision of £244m annually through the local government settlement. The tailored nature of our national scheme means this support is targeted towards those who need it most.
In 2024-25, this meant that almost 256,500 vulnerable and low-income households – around one in five households – benefited from a reduction in their council tax. Of these, over 216,000 households paid no council tax at all.
As always, I encourage everyone to check the Welsh Government’s website to see whether they are entitled for help with their council tax bill, either through our reduction scheme or through one of the many discounts and exemptions available. People struggling with council tax debt should always contact their local authority as early as possible, or call AdviceLink Cymru on 0800 702 2020.
I am grateful for the continued assistance of local authorities in delivering the CTRS in Wales and in helping to ensure that this important financial support reaches eligible households.
The annual report is available here: Council Tax Reduction Scheme: annual report 2024 to 2025 | GOV.WALES
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.