UK unpaid carers urged to verify council tax discount and benefit rules

Consumer expert Martin Lewis highlighted that dozens of councils in England and Wales have provided inaccurate guidance on the live‑in Carer Council Tax discount. An investigation found 69 council websites displayed outdated or incorrect eligibility information, potentially discouraging up to five million unpaid carers from applying. Missed discounts could have cost eligible carers £500‑£1,000 each year. Following the findings, the government wrote to councils urging them to update their guidance, and Lewis is now urging carers to re‑check their eligibility and request back‑dated reductions where appropriate.

Separately, carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment are reminded to review rules on earnings, holidays abroad and changes in circumstances, as errors could affect benefit payments. The combined advice aims to ensure unpaid carers claim all support they are entitled to under current regulations.