Martin Lewis calls on local authorities to ‘step up their game’ as thousands miss out on council tax discount

MARTIN Lewis has urged thousands of people to investigate if they’re eligible to save thousands in tax discounts.

The TV host urged his viewers to check if they’re eligible for a hefty council tax refund.

2

As part of the guidelines, anyone suffering from a “severe mental impairment” (SMI) is able to claim a council tax reduction.

This can extend to Brits who have suffered strokes, Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to Mr Lewis.

“Local councils are pants at mental health support. They’re nowhere near good enough,” he began.

“Councils, step up your game.”

Mr Lewis went on to detail who may qualify for the savings.

“Four million people are eligible, only a fraction of them (apply to) get it, for your broadband especially there,” he said.

“So look, with a severe mental impairment (you can get a) 25 to 100 per cent discount.”

The hack could result in comes as thousands of people in England, Scotland and Wales being entitled to money off their council tax bills.

Anyone suffering from a “severe mental impairment” (SMI) is able to claim a council tax reduction, according to Mr Lewis.

“In 2016, we started campaigning about the severe mental impairment (SMI) council tax discount after I was shocked to find out how underclaimed it was,” he previously said.

The SMI discount ranges from 25 per cent to 100 per cent – with some households entirely exempt from paying council tax.

This allows people to apply for a discount on their council tax bill if someone in their household is severely mentally impaired.

To be eligible for the discount, a certificate is needed to say you’re severely mentally impaired from a medical professional.

Eligibility for certain benefits also needs to be checked which can often be done by enquiring with a local council.

Mr Lewis’ latest tip comes after he revealed an easy way for anyone on Universal Credit to slash their monthly household bills.

He also detailed how to get debts paused or wiped completely with little-known schemes and revealed how to slash compulsive spending.

2

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk