City of Lincoln Council has announced its preferred option for the 2026/27 Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme.
Following consultation on the 2026/27 scheme options, City of Lincoln Council’s preferred option is to continue providing up to 100% support for working-age claimants. A final decision will be made by Executive and Full Council before 31 January 2026.
If the preferred option to maintain 100% support is selected, the council will provide £1.3 million in 2026/27, which is the estimated cost of the scheme, to protect those struggling most.
At a time when a reducing number of councils across the country are providing such a high level of support, Lincoln’s proposal demonstrates its ongoing commitment to helping residents who are struggling financially.
The previous Council Tax Benefit system was abolished on 31 March 2013, since then, the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme has been in its place.
As of 30 November 2025, 7,957 residents in the City of Lincoln were claiming Council Tax Support. Of these, 2,476 are pensioners who remain protected under legislation and receive Council Tax Support as prescribed by the Government.
In Lincoln, there are currently 3,487 vulnerable working-age claimants and 1,994 non-vulnerable working-age claimants.
Cllr Lucinda Preston, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“City of Lincoln Council is committed to supporting residents who are struggling. Council Tax Support is an underclaimed benefit, and we encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply and access the help available.
“Our preferred option, to continue supporting residents up to 100% of the benefits they are entitled to, directly supports our Vision 2030 priority to reduce inequality across the city.”
Martin Walmsley, Assistant Director for Shared Revenues and Benefits at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“If you think you might be eligible for some help to pay your Council Tax, please get in touch with our team to see if you are entitled.
“A whole host of information about Council Tax Support is available on our Council's website, or you can call up and ask to speak to a member of our team who will be able to help support and advise you. Please don't struggle, please get in touch.”
To speak with a member of the Revenues and Benefits team, please ring 01522 881188 and ask for ‘Benefits’.
Learn more about Council Tax Support and how it works, find out if you may be entitled, and if you are, you can apply here.