Tameside Council invests £18.5 million to support residents with Council Tax

Tameside Council is strengthening its support for financially vulnerable households by investing £18.5 million into the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.

The revised scheme introduced last year continues to work well and will remain in place for the coming year. It provides vital help to low-income households and those most at risk of financial hardship, while also reducing overall administration and making the process more straightforward for residents.

Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax should contact the Council’s Benefits Team for help and support by either emailing benefits@tameside.gov.uk, calling 0161 342 3708 or visiting www.tameside.gov.uk/benefits.

As part of the scheme, working age claimants can receive a maximum award of 75 per cent of their Council Tax liability, capped at Band A. This is dependent on income and individual circumstances.

The scheme currently supports more than 17,000 claimants across Tameside, including pension-age residents who continue to receive full protection through national regulations. Claimant numbers have risen in the past year, reflecting the wider economic pressures many households are facing.

Residents can check what support they may be entitled to and apply online by visiting tamesideclaims.teamnetsol.com/index.jsp

Alongside the main scheme, the Council continues to operate a hardship fund to help residents who experience exceptional financial difficulty. This support is provided on a case-by-case basis and ensures that additional help is available when people need it most.

Councillor Hugh Roderick, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said:
“Many households are still feeling the strain from rising costs, and we see that every day in the work we do. Our Council Tax Support Scheme remains a vital safety net for thousands of residents, and keeping the updated scheme in place means we can continue to help those who rely on it. This investment is about giving people stability and preventing them from being pushed into debt they can’t manage.”

The Council’s Helping Hand webpages also provide guidance on managing finances and finding local support: www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand.