April has arrived, and this month marks a number of changes which will come into effect. The impact on members of the public varies – with some set to get more each month thanks to an increase to benefits and state pension rates.

However, the Spending Review in November gave some councils permission to make the changes.

Councils have been writing to local residents of late informing them of the Council Tax rates which will be effective from April 2021.

Amid the increases, some may wonder whether they are eligible for a discount on the amount they need to pay.

It may be some people on a low income or who are in receipt of benefits can get a discount via Council Tax Reduction.

This is a scheme which used to be called Council Tax Benefit, replacing it in April 2013.

The person would need to apply to their local council for this.

If they’re eligible, they would then get a discount on the bill.

The qualifying person could see their bill reduced by up to 100 percent.

Their circumstances, such as income, number of children, benefits and residency status, may also play a role.

Household income – including savings, pensions, and any partner’s income – can affect what a person gets.

Additionally, if a person’s children, or any other adults, live with them, what they get may differ.

It’s possible to check whether a person qualifies via the “Apply for Council Tax Reduction” tool on the Government website.

To use it, the person needs to enter their postcode and press “find”. The postcode is then matched to the relevant council, and it should be possible to click through to their website for more information.