At Citizens Advice in St Albans, we see more people with council tax debts than with any other form of debt.

This year’s bills have now been sent out and they have gone up again at a time when many households are still struggling to make ends meet. If you think you will find it difficult to pay your council tax, there is support available.

First off, there are discounts available to some people depending on their circumstances. You can check your bill or contact the local council to find out if you might be eligible for an automatic reduction to your council tax.

If you’re not getting a discount, you might still be entitled to one. It depends who lives in the property. So, if you’re the only adult in your home, for example, you’ll get a 25 per cent discount on your council tax bill.

When working out how many people live in a property, some people aren’t counted, including those aged under 18, student nurses and someone on an apprenticeship scheme.

If everyone who lives in a property is disregarded in this way, your council tax bill will have a 50 per cent discount. And if everyone in your home is a student or severely mentally impaired, you won’t pay any council tax at all.

Additionally, if someone has moved out, tell the council as this might change your eligibility. If you have become entitled to a discount, it will be valid from the date when the person moved out, even if you told the council after the event, and the reduction may be backdated.

If you are on a low income, you might be able to get your council tax reduced. If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by.

The local council will ask for details about your income and circumstances, so they can work out if you are entitled to council tax reduction. They will then calculate your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay.

We know times are incredibly tough, but council tax is a priority bill so it’s important to stay in contact with the local council if you can’t keep up with payments.

Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward and you do not have to face your financial problems alone.

If you need help, Citizens Advice can offer you independent and confidential support. In St Albans, we can be reached on 01727 811118 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Friday.

Or you can call the Herts Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 between 10am and 9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 8pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am and 4pm on Saturday.