Elin Jones MS, Cabinet Minister for Finance
Today, I am publishing the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Statistical Report for 2025‑26.
The Welsh Government protects 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).
The Welsh Government supports the scheme with the provision of £244m annually through the local government settlement. The tailored nature of the national scheme means this support is targeted towards those who need it most.
In 2025-26, over 257,000 vulnerable and low-income households – around one in five households – benefited from a reduction in their council tax. Of these, over 218,000 households paid no council tax at all.
I would encourage everyone to check the Welsh Government’s website to see whether they are entitled to 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.
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.