Milton Keynes Council Tax Hardship Fund and Section 13A Discretionary Relief

When Standard CTR Is Not Enough

Milton Keynes caps standard working-age Council Tax Reduction at 80% of the bill, leaving a 20% minimum payment for claimants outside the protected categories. For households already stretched to the limit, even that 20% can be unmanageable. The council operates two discretionary safety nets to cover the gap, both under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

The Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme (DCTRS)

The DCTRS is designed specifically for residents already receiving CTR who cannot afford the remaining 20%. It works as a temporary top-up credit applied directly to your Council Tax account — not a cash payment.

To qualify, you generally need to show:

• You are currently receiving Council Tax Reduction
• You have exhausted all other financial remedies (benefits, grants, budgeting support)
• You have no excess savings or non-essential assets
• You have sought independent debt advice

Awards are discretionary and time-limited. The council reviews each case individually; check your decision notice for how long an award lasts and whether you need to reapply.

Section 13A(1)(c) Main Relief

The broader Section 13A power covers residents who may not be receiving CTR at all but face exceptional financial hardship — a house fire, severe flooding, sudden personal crisis, or catastrophic loss of income.

This is the route for residents whose circumstances fall outside the standard scheme. The council decides whether to award relief and how much to award on a case-by-case basis.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund

Milton Keynes also runs a Crisis and Resilience Fund, separate from CTR. If you are in severe financial distress, contact the council or a free advice service to check what support the fund currently offers and how to apply.

How to Apply for Discretionary Help

There is no single application form that covers all discretionary routes. Start by contacting the council's Revenues and Benefits department:

• Phone: 01908 253135
• Email: [email protected]

Explain your situation and ask about both the DCTRS and Section 13A relief. The council will direct you to the right application process. Bring or upload evidence of your financial position: bank statements, a budget showing income versus essential outgoings, and any debt advice letters.

Discretionary applications are not a guaranteed safety net — the council balances individual need against the finite fund — but they exist precisely for the residents who fall through the gap between standard CTR and a bill they cannot pay.

Free Advice Before You Apply

Citizens Advice Milton Keynes (0808 278 7991) and MK Money Lifeline (0300 123 5198) can help you prepare a hardship application and make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to before asking for discretionary support. This strengthens your case.

The Milton Keynes Council Tax Reduction guide includes a hardship application checklist and explains how to combine standard CTR with discretionary relief.

See more England guides →