The Labour government is facing mounting pressure to abolish council tax for every state pensioner in Britain, a move that would impact millions of older citizens. A petition hosted on the official Parliamentary website has already garnered significant backing, intensifying calls for a major fiscal policy shift.
Petition Details and Key Demands
The petition, created by Michael Thompson, calls on Parliament to enact a law providing a full council tax exemption for all pensioners. It argues that current support is insufficient, as only those on the very lowest incomes qualify for complete relief. The petition states that many retirees with modest incomes just above the threshold still face significant bills.
The petition has already received over 7,000 signatures, with a deadline set for 28 February 2026. It needs 10,000 signatures to trigger an official government response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the issue will be considered for a full debate in the House of Commons.
The Case for Exemption: Compassion and Fiscal Sense
The campaigners make a dual argument for the sweeping change. Firstly, they highlight the financial strain on pensioners living on fixed incomes amidst rising living costs, branding the tax as increasingly unaffordable for this demographic.
Secondly, the petition contends that the exemption is not merely an act of compassion but also a fiscally responsible measure. It suggests that relieving this financial pressure from a vulnerable group could help sustain public services by paving the way for fairer long-term funding models.
There are approximately 13 million people in the UK currently receiving either the Basic or Full State Pension, all of whom would be affected by the proposed change.
Current Support and How to Check Eligibility
Under the present system, pensioners must apply for discounts or exemptions through their local council. Support is primarily targeted at those with low incomes or those living alone.
Residents in England and Wales can contact their local council to discuss their council tax bill or check if they are eligible for a reduction. For queries about a property's council tax band or rateable value, individuals should reach out to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
This service, however, is strictly for property-related enquiries in England and Wales. All payments and applications for discounts must be handled directly by the local authority.
With weeks remaining until the petition's deadline, campaigners are pushing to gather the tens of thousands of additional signatures needed to force the issue onto the parliamentary agenda, setting up a potential early test for the Labour government's social policy priorities.
