Sefton Exceptional Hardship Payment for Council Tax

If you're already receiving Council Tax Reduction in Sefton but still can't cover the 16% minimum payment, the Exceptional Hardship Fund might close the gap. It's a discretionary fund — not an entitlement — but it exists specifically for people in this position.

What the Fund Is

Sefton Council operates the Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF) under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. It provides additional Council Tax relief to working-age residents who are already receiving CTR but are experiencing severe financial hardship.

The relief is applied as a direct reduction on your Council Tax bill. No cash is paid out.

The fund is cash-limited. For 2025/26, the total EHF budget was approximately £208,817, with a significant portion allocated to care leavers. Awards depend on the fund balance and the volume of applications.

Who Can Apply

You must already have a live Council Tax Reduction claim. The EHF doesn't replace CTR — it supplements it.

Beyond that, Sefton's assessment looks at whether:

• You've maximised all available income (claimed every benefit you're entitled to)
• You've reduced non-essential household spending
• You've applied for every relevant Council Tax discount and exemption
• You've sought free debt advice if you have arrears

The council expects you to have taken all reasonable steps to manage your finances before turning to the hardship fund. An application submitted without evidence that you've tried other avenues is likely to be refused.

How to Apply

The application is online at forms.sefton.gov.uk/dhpehpform. You'll need to provide:

• Your Council Tax reference number
• A full household income and expenditure breakdown
• Details of any debts and monthly repayments
• Evidence of steps taken to maximise income (benefit claim confirmations, job search records)
• A statement explaining why you can't afford the remaining Council Tax

Be specific. "I can't afford it" isn't enough. Walk through your monthly budget: income in, essential costs out, the shortfall. The reviewing officer needs to see the numbers.

What Happens Next

If approved, the EHF award reduces your Council Tax bill directly. You'll receive an updated demand notice. Awards are typically time-limited — the council reviews them periodically and may ask for updated income evidence.

If refused, you can ask the council to reconsider by providing additional information. Beyond that, you can submit a Section 16 written grievance (PO Box 21, Bootle, L20 3US) to challenge the decision. If the council upholds the refusal or doesn't respond within two months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for England at no cost.

Care Leavers

If you're a former Sefton care leaver aged 18 to 24 and still living in the borough, you may qualify for a discount of up to 100% of your share of the Council Tax liability. This isn't the same as the EHF — it's a standalone discretionary discount applied after all other reductions. Contact Sefton's Revenues & Benefits team on 0345 140 0845 to check.

When Hardship Isn't the Right Route

If you're facing active enforcement — reminders, final notices, court summonses, liability orders, or bailiffs — seek free debt advice promptly and contact Sefton about your account. An EHF award is credited to your Council Tax account and can reduce outstanding payments, but applying for one does not itself stop recovery action.

• Greater Merseyside Money Advice Partnership: 0300 330 1196
• StepChange: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice Sefton: 0808 278 7841

Our Sefton Council Tax Reduction guide covers the Exceptional Hardship Fund application step by step, including how to structure your income-and-expenditure breakdown and what the reviewing officer is looking for.

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