East Surrey Council Tax Reduction Scheme Consultation
- Consultation open from 7 October 2026 to 3 December 2026
We are asking residents and other interested groups for their views on proposals to develop a new Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for East Surrey from April 2027.
Council Tax Reduction helps people on low incomes with the cost of their Council Tax. The current arrangements vary across Surrey, and as part of local government reorganisation, a new scheme will need to be introduced for the new East Surrey Council.
Have your say
The consultation will run from 7 October 2026 to 3 December 2026.
We want to hear from as many people as possible, particularly people who currently receive Council Tax Reduction, as well as residents, community organisations and other groups who may be affected by the proposals.
No final decision has been made. Your views will be considered alongside financial, equality and other relevant factors before the final scheme is agreed.
Take part in the East Surrey Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation
Why are we consulting?
Local government reorganisation means that new unitary councils will be created across Surrey from April 2027.
At present, Council Tax Reduction schemes differ between councils. The new East Surrey Council will therefore need to agree a scheme that applies across the new council area.
The consultation is an opportunity to understand how different approaches could affect residents and to hear directly from people who may be affected.
We particularly want to hear from people who:
- currently receive Council Tax Reduction
- are on a low income
- may have difficulty paying their Council Tax
- represent or support people who could be affected.
What are we consulting on?
The consultation sets out the proposed approach to the new Council Tax Reduction Scheme, including the different options being considered and their potential impact on residents.
We recognise that changes to Council Tax Reduction can have a significant impact on household finances. We will therefore consider the responses carefully, including the potential impact on people on low incomes and people with protected characteristics.
The consultation does not mean that any particular option has been agreed.
What happens after the consultation?
The consultation closes on 3 December 2026.
All responses received will be considered before a final decision is made on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for East Surrey.
A summary of the consultation responses and the outcome will be published in due course.
How to take part
You can read the consultation information and complete the online questionnaire through Commonplace:
If you are unable to complete the consultation online or need the information in an alternative format, please contact your local council.
Important information
The Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation is separate from the wider consultation and engagement taking place as part of local government reorganisation.
Your response to this consultation will be used to inform the development of the East Surrey Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Frequently asked questions
You can view the frequently asked questions in the below link.
Council Tax Reduction Scheme East Surrey - FAQs (PDF, 464KB)
Text messaging and email
As part of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation, residents across Surrey will be contacted directly by SMS and email using GOV.UK Notify, the Government’s secure messaging service.
If you receive a message, it is a genuine council communication and is not spam. It will include information about the consultation and how you can have your say.