Press Release

12 March 2026

Fareham Borough Council to introduce new Council Tax Support Scheme

Fareham Borough Council will launch a new Council Tax Support Scheme for working-age people from 1 April 2026.

The current means-tested scheme for working-age claimants will be replaced with a new income-banded scheme, where a person’s income is placed into defined ranges, or ‘bands.’ The level of Council Tax Support they receive is then determined by the band into which their income falls. The scheme is designed to be simpler, fairer, and more efficient, aligning with national legislation.

The features of the new scheme include:

Up to 100% support, removing the current minimum 20% contribution.
Income banded awards, offering greater stability and fewer fluctuations for households.
Support based on actual Council Tax liability, rather than being capped at Band C.
Removal of all non-dependant deductions, ensuring households are not penalised when another adult lives in the property.
More generous disregards, including key elements of Universal Credit, disability related benefits, and a new £50 earnings disregard.
Stronger support for disabled residents, including an additional £100 per week disregard where applicable.

Cllr Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said:

“I am delighted with the imminent launch of this new Council Tax Support Scheme which will provide clearer, fairer support for working-age people. By simplifying the system and offering greater protection for low-income and disabled households, we are ensuring residents receive more stable and meaningful help at a time when many are facing real financial pressures.”

More information can be found at the Council’s website: www.fareham.gov.uk/benefits/information_for_workingage.aspx.

Information on how to make a claim can be found here:
www.fareham.gov.uk/benefits/how_to_claim/intro.aspx.

ENDS