East Riding Exceptional Hardship Fund for Council Tax: How to Apply

What the Hardship Fund Is

East Riding of Yorkshire Council runs a discretionary hardship fund under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. It's separate from the standard Council Tax Support scheme and exists for residents facing exceptional financial hardship where the standard reduction doesn't cover enough of their bill.

The most common scenario: you're already receiving the maximum 80% Council Tax Support (or you've been assessed at a lower band), and you genuinely can't afford the remaining 20% or more. The hardship fund can provide a temporary credit to help cover that gap.

Who Can Apply

The fund is available to any East Riding resident who can demonstrate that their essential living expenses exceed their total household income after standard Council Tax Support has been calculated. You don't have to be receiving Council Tax Support already, but applicants who've been assessed and found ineligible or at a low tier will need to show why their circumstances are exceptional.

The council expects you to have explored all other avenues of financial help first — that includes checking you're receiving all benefits you're entitled to, contacting the Your Money Team about income maximisation, and investigating other grants or support available through charities and local organisations.

How to Apply

Applications go through the Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Policy form, which you can access through the council's benefits portal or by contacting the Your Money Team:

• Phone: (01482) 394633
• Email: [email protected]

The form asks for a detailed picture of your finances — income from all sources, essential outgoings (rent, food, utilities, transport), debts, and any other support you're receiving. You'll need to provide evidence: bank statements, benefit letters, a breakdown of your monthly expenditure.

What the Council Looks For

The fund is deliberately discretionary and the criteria are strict. The council considers:

• Whether your income genuinely doesn't cover essential living costs after council tax is factored in
• Whether you've taken all reasonable steps to maximise your income (claiming all benefits, seeking work if able)
• Whether the hardship is temporary or ongoing
• Whether other sources of help are available

Awards are temporary. They're applied as credits to your council tax account for a set period and create no permanent entitlement. The council can review and withdraw the support if your circumstances improve.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund

Separate from the hardship fund, East Riding was allocated £3,839,661 under the Crisis and Resilience Fund for 2026/27. This fund targets severe material hardship — fuel vouchers, emergency food, essential household goods — rather than council tax specifically. If your financial situation involves immediate survival needs beyond the council tax bill, the Your Money Team can assess you for this fund as well.

When to Seek Debt Advice Instead

If you're already in council tax arrears, have received a summons or liability order, or are dealing with enforcement agents, the hardship fund alone won't resolve the situation. At that point, free debt advice from StepChange (0800 138 1111), National Debtline (0808 808 4000) or Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding (0808 278 7981) should be your first call.

The East Riding Council Tax Reduction guide walks through the full hardship fund application process alongside the standard Council Tax Support claim.

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