Martin Lewis urges millions to check council tax discount eligibility after ‘disgraceful’ errors

Martin Lewis is urging unpaid carers across England and Wales to check whether they qualify for a council tax discount after dozens of councils corrected misleading information on their websites following a MoneySavingExpert investigation.

The consumer champion said he was pleased that all 69 councils identified have now updated their online guidance on the live‑in Carer Council Tax discount.

The campaign, launched in January 2026, found that around one in five council websites were displaying incorrect eligibility information.

Many had failed to update their guidance after 2013 rule changes expanded the list of qualifying disability benefits.

Mr Lewis is now encouraging carers who previously believed they were ineligible to reassess their circumstances — and to seek backdated reductions where appropriate.

MoneySavingExpert said the outdated guidance may have discouraged up to five million unpaid carers from applying for support.

It estimated that eligible carers could have missed out on £500 to £1,000 a year since the rules were broadened.

Researchers reviewed more than 200 council websites and found that 69 had published incomplete or inaccurate information about qualifying benefits. A further 80 councils had no easily accessible guidance at all.

Following the findings, the Government wrote to councils across England in February 2026, urging them to ensure their Council Tax support information was accurate and up to date.

Mr Lewis criticised the failures, saying unpaid carers had been let down.

He said carers are “some of society’s most unsung heroes” who are “already hard done by.

“The fact our investigation found dozens of councils were doing it, and most likely since 2013, was a disgrace.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Martin Lewis warns millions could have lost pensions worth £10,000 on average
• Martin Lewis shares 'rule of thumb' for how much you should pay into your pension
• Martin Lewis warns holidaymakers over booking mistake that could cost thousands

He urged anyone previously rejected or discouraged from applying to check again. Mr Lewis said: “If you did miss out due to councils’ poor info, ask for a backdated discount to the point of first eligibility, though different councils have different rules.”

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, welcomed the corrections. Ms Walker said: “We’re incredibly grateful to MoneySavingExpert and Martin Lewis for shining a light on this issue because every penny counts for unpaid carers.”

To qualify for the live‑in Carer Council Tax discount, individuals must provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care each week to someone living in the same household.

The person receiving care cannot be the carer’s spouse, partner or a child under 18, and must be claiming certain disability‑related benefits.

Before 2013, qualifying benefits included higher‑rate Attendance Allowance, the care component of Disability Living Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance and Disablement Pension.

In 2013, eligibility was expanded to include:

• Personal Independence Payment — standard and enhanced daily living components
• Attendance Allowance — lower rate
• Disability Living Allowance — middle‑rate care component
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Many councils failed to reflect these changes and continued to state that only higher‑rate benefits qualified.