Disabled man's 'shock' at council tax changes

A disabled man is taking a council to the High Court, claiming its new council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory and has left him in shock.

Andy Mitchell, from Taunton, did not have to pay council tax under Somerset Council's previous scheme because of disability benefits he received.

But after being migrated from those "legacy" benefits to universal credit, he now has to pay 90% of the council tax bill for his property, leaving him with an annual bill of nearly £1,300. "When I received the letter it was a shock, and to begin with I thought it was a mistake," he said.

Somerset Council said it would review the scheme "to ensure that it remains fit for purpose, inclusive and affordable".

Mitchell previously worked for a university in London but said he was no longer able to work because of a number of physical and mental health conditions.

He relies on means-tested benefits, which he was awarded following assessments by the Department for Work and Pensions, including a work capability assessment.

In September 2025, Mitchell was moved from employment support allowance to universal credit as part of national government changes.

Somerset Council then reassessed his entitlement under its new council tax reduction scheme. He said he now receives a reduction of £2 per week.

"To begin with I thought it was a mistake, I spoke to four different people [at the council] on the phone," Mitchell said.

"The first three didn't know what was going on, the fourth person, in the welfare team, said no it wasn't a mistake, it's quite common, it's happening to a lot of people."

Mitchell said he was trying to save for an adjustable bed but every month was a struggle for money.

"I can no longer lie down on a normal bed because I get a lot of pain in my back and in my shoulders - at the moment I'm sleeping in a chair in the living room," he said.

"The council tax bill just pushes that bed further away, because I have to prioritise that bill rather than saving for the bed."

The High Court has granted Mitchell and his legal team permission to pursue a judicial review, with the hearing expected to take place in Bristol early in the summer.

Mitchell's case argues the council's scheme "unlawfully penalises disabled people and others with additional needs".

"This situation has caused me real anxiety and distress and I feel misled. I hope this case will lead to greater awareness and fairer treatment for everyone," he added.

Human rights solicitor Carolin Ott said: "The case has potential wider implications for many other residents in similar situations whose migration to universal credit has impacted their eligibility for council tax reductions."

Somerset Council said it would be contesting the judicial review.

A spokesperson added: "Recognising the concerns that such claimants have, we are undertaking a fundamental review of our scheme to ensure that it remains fit for purpose, inclusive and affordable, and we will be consulting on the scheme in summer 2026 for implementation in April 2027.

"We also operate a means tested Exceptional Hardship Scheme to support the most vulnerable," they said.

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