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Benefits and Council Tax

Council Tax E-billing Prize Draw

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This prize draw has now ended. You can still sign up to e-billing, however, you will not be entered into a prize draw.

We are encouraging residents across the Malvern district to switch to e-billing — a small change that makes a big difference.

E-billing gives you instant access to your council tax bill and other important information straight to your inbox.

It’s quicker, easier and far more environmentally friendly than receiving paper bills.

Every person who switches helps to save the council £1 in printing and postage costs. When thousands of residents make the switch, those savings add up quickly and can be reinvested into the services and improvements that matter most to our communities.

To make things even better, during the campaign, anyone who signs up to e-billing will be entered into a prize draw for one of two £100 vouchers to spend at a local, independent business within the district.

It’s a great way to support our high streets while helping us reduce waste and save money.

If you haven’t switched yet, now is the perfect time.

Sign up to ebilling

Terms and Conditions of the prize draw: 

  1. The prize draw will run from 2 February 2026 to the deadline at midnight on 20 February 2026.
  2. Anyone who lives in the Malvern Hills district and is signed up to e-billing will be eligible for the prize draw.
  3. Each prize will be a £100 voucher which can be used at one independent, Malvern Hills-based business of the winner’s choice. This includes independently run shops, restaurants and cafes.
  4. There are two £100 vouchers available for the district.
  5. The winners will be chosen at random and will be notified by mid-March via the email address they have provided.
  6. When the winner is contacted to inform them of their prize, they will be asked to nominate a retailer within ten working days; otherwise, the offer of the voucher will be withdrawn and offered to another respondent.
  7. Any contact details provided will not be shared by Malvern Hills District Council.
  8. Employees and councillors of Malvern Hills District Council are not eligible to enter the prize draw.
  9. If you have any questions about the prize draw, e-billing, or if you would like to opt out, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read more …Council Tax E-billing Prize Draw

Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments (formerly DHP)

In this section

Crisis and Resilience Funds (CRF) Housing Payments (previously known as Discretionary Housing Payments) can provide additional financial support to people who currently receive Housing Benefit from Malvern Hills District Council or housing costs from the Universal Credit Department.

CRF Housing Payments can help with housing costs for those affected by:

  • the benefit cap
  • the Under Occupation reduction in social sector housing (14% reduction if under occupying by 1 bedroom or 25% if under occupying by 2 or more bedrooms)
  • Local Housing Allowance (LHA) restrictions
  • non-dependent deductions
  • costs associated with taking up a new tenancy, for example, removal costs and rent deposits.

You cannot apply for CRF Housing Payments to pay for:

  • The cost of things Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit deem ineligible e.g. utility costs, meals or personal care
  • Historic rent arrears
  • Overpayment deductions being made from your Housing Benefit or housing costs to pay back money previously overpaid to you
  • Council Tax charges.

How much help can I get?

The amount you receive and the length of time you are awarded help, depends on your personal circumstances. In some cases, we may not deem CRF Housing Payments suitable for your situation and may signpost you elsewhere for advice or assistance.

Malvern Hills District Council may be able to award payments for a short period, but we will often ask for additional steps to be taken by you to improve your circumstances and avoid reliance on this limited additional fund. These requests may include downsizing, moving to more affordable accommodation, considering a lodger, or reducing expenditure on non-essential items or subscriptions.

If your circumstances change, while you are in receipt of ongoing payments, you must inform us immediately as this could alter the amount we can continue to pay. 

CRF housing payments are short term awards only and therefore should not be relied upon for any length of time.

What does Malvern Hills District Council look at when deciding CRF Housing Payments?

When you apply, we'll look at:

  • your income, including any benefits you get
  • your savings
  • if you have any loans or debts
  • if there is anyone in your house that could help you to pay your shortfall 
  • if anyone in your house is ill or disabled
  • what you have done to try and pay your rent or housing costs
  • whether you are due money back from a former rental property deposit.

How can I apply for CRF Housing Payments?

To apply for CRF Housing Payments, please complete our application.

Apply for CRF Housing payments

If you have an exceptional reason why you are unable to complete the online form, please contact us on 03004 560 560 for additional support in making your application.

You will be given the opportunity to upload your supporting evidence during the online application process. If for any reason you don’t have the information available at the point of application, you can send your supporting evidence via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you send an email, please ensure you include your name, address, and the application reference number provided to you when you completed the form. This is important, as it will mean we can easily link your email to your claim.

We aim to be in touch with a decision within 28 days of receiving your application wherever possible. It is important you supply us with supporting evidence to speed up the decision on your application.

What if I disagree with the decision?

You can write to us and ask us to review your application again within one month of the date of our decision and provide any additional supporting evidence that you think may affect the outcome of the initial decision. We will then write to you with the outcome of the review.

Please note that CRF Housing Payments are at Malvern Hills District Council's discretion and consequently there is no further right of appeal.

Other support from the Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Government has announced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to help people facing financial crisis. The CRF is funded by the UK Government and will run for three years until 31 March 2029.

This national programme provides funding to councils in England to:

  • support residents who cannot meet essential costs such as food, energy, or household items
  • strengthen long-term financial resilience, helping households increase income, reduce expenses, and manage financial shocks
  • ensure support is fair, accessible, flexible, and based on individual need.

Support may include crisis payments such as cash payments, vouchers, essential household items, and access to preventative services. 

More information regarding the scheme can be found on Worcestershire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund page.

Worcestershire County Council will work with Malvern Hills District Council and the voluntary & community sector partners to deliver support across four key areas:

  • Crisis payments
  • Housing payments
  • Resilience services
  • Community co-ordination.

Read more …Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments (formerly DHP)

Paperless Council Tax Bill

Please note, our Council Tax E-billing prize draw is now closed.

Sign up for e-billing

We can send your council tax bills to you by email instead of through the post.

The benefits of e-billing

  • You will receive your bill as soon as it is available
  • It saves paper so is better for the environment
  • It helps to reduce council spending by saving printing and postage costs
  • You still have the option to print your bill or forward a copy to someone if you need to.

How to sign up for e-billing

There are three ways to sign up for e-Billing:

1. Complete this form to register for ebilling: SigN up for ebilling

2. Or you can register for our online Council Tax Self Service facility which includes e-billing sign up and lets you view full details of your account

3. Or you can call 03004 560 560 and ask to sign up for e-billing.

What happens next?

  • Once you have signed up for e-Billing we will send future council tax bills to you by email unless you ask us to stop
  • You must tell us if you change your email address
  • We will contact you if our emails to you cannot be delivered because your email address is invalid.

Benefits

Support - Claim - Help

  • Benefits

  • Book an Appointment to Speak to an Advisor

    Appointments are available to book
    7 days in advance

Other

Benefits services

Find more information about the following topics or use our
search feature to discover exactly what you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions

You have a question? We have an answer.

  • Where can I get benefits advice?

    For enquiries about your Council Tax bill, Business Rates, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.

    Please ensure that you provide your full name, address and reference number (if you have one) to enable us to respond to your query. We’ll be unable to trace your account without these details.

    Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support
    Telephone: 03004 560 560
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Calls may be recorded for Training and Monitoring purposes.

    Our service hours have changed.

    Our telephone lines will be open from 9am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday.

    From 1.30pm to 4.45pm our Agents will be available to speak with you using our Live Chat service via the Chat with Us button below.

    Alternatively you can book a 20 minute telephone appointment with an Agent between 2pm and 5pm Monday to Friday.

    To book an appointment to speak to an advisor, click on the link:

    Book Appointment

    Our face-to-face Customer Service Centres will remain open as normal.

    Postal address

    Revenues and Benefits, PO Box 11, Pershore, WR10 1PU

    Alternatively, you can visit our customer contact centre at the Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3AF.

    The centre will be open from:

    • 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday
    • CLOSED Saturday and Sunday

    Self Service account

    Our Self Service portal gives you instant online access to manage and view your:

    • Council Tax account
    • Business Rate account
    • Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support claim
    • Tenants Housing Benefit claims

    Log in or register to your Self Service account

    Using Self Service can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

  • Can I get help to pay my rent?

    You can now only claim Housing Benefit through your local authority if any of the following apply:

    • You are single and have reached State Pension Age.
    • You are in a partnership and you have both reached State Pension Age.
    • You are in Council placed emergency housing or certain types of exempt or specified accommodation.

    If you fall into the categories listed above, learn how to start a new claim for Housing Benefit and/or find Council Tax Support.

    If this list does not apply to you then you will need to make a claim through Universal Credits instead.

  • I can't afford my Council Tax?

    If you are worried about paying your Council Tax bill, then we can help.

    You can also spread your payments over 12 months instead of ten. Just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss.

    You will be able to submit evidence to support your claim at the end of the application process by uploading documents saved on your computer. You will in all cases need to provide evidence of all income or benefits received, along with any capital held to enable us to process your application. Please don’t delay in submitting a claim as you are able to provide any supporting evidence within 1 month of the claim submission to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You should always quote your reference number given during the application if evidence is supplied at a later date to ensure it gets linked to your new application.

    Start a new claim

    Please note: This application is for new claims only.

    If you already receive Council Tax Support it is important to report any changes in your circumstances to us as soon as possible. This can be done by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • How can I find out what benefits I am entitled to?

    Use the GOV.UK benefits calculator to find out what benefits you may be entitled to and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.

  • Would I be able to get help to fill in my application?

    Our contact centre continues to provide support for people who do not have access to online facilities or who need assistance to make a claim.

    You can visit our contact centre which is open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. You can also call us on 03004 560 560 between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

    Visit: Malvern Hills District Council, The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3AF

  • How can I track my application or view my current claim?

    Your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims can be viewed using our Open Portal.

    Sign in to your Open Portal account manager

    Using the Open Portal can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

News

Read more …Benefits

Council Tax

Malvern Hills Logo

Pay - Discounts and Exemptions - Help

Important information about your Council Tax

If we have your email address and mobile number, we will be issuing our Council Tax bill/notification by text and email.

You will receive:

  • A text message from ‘MHDC CTAX’ which will include a code you will need to enter online.
  • An email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. which will include a link to your Council Tax bill and/or Benefits Notification.

If you do not click on the link within a couple of days, you will be issued with a paper bill/notification in the post.

If we don’t have your contact details, you will receive a paper bill as usual.

If you are not sure or something doesn’t seem right, please get in touch with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Council
    Tax

  • Book an Appointment to Speak to an Advisor

    Appointments are available to book
    7 days in advance

  • Pay your Council Tax

Other

Council Tax services

Find more information about the following topics or use our
search feature to discover exactly what you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions

You have a question? We have an answer.

  • Where can I get Council Tax advice?

    For enquiries about your Council Tax bill, Business Rates, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.

    Please ensure that you provide your full name, address and reference number (if you have one) to enable us to respond to your query. We’ll be unable to trace your account without these details.

    Council Tax
    Telephone: 03004 560 560
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support
    Telephone: 03004 560 560
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Calls may be recorded for Training and Monitoring purposes

    Our service hours have changed.

    Our telephone lines will be open from 9am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday.

    From 1.30pm to 4.45pm our Agents will be available to speak with you using our Live Chat service via the Chat with Us button below.

    Alternatively you can book a 20 minute telephone appointment with an Agent between 2pm and 5pm Monday to Friday.

    To book an appointment to speak to an advisor, click on the link:

    Book Appointment

    Our face-to-face Customer Service Centres will remain open as normal.

    Postal address

    Revenues and Benefits, PO Box 11, Pershore, WR10 1PU

    Alternatively, you can visit our customer contact centre at the Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3AF.

    The centre will be open from:

    • 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday
    • CLOSED Saturday and Sunday

    Self Service account

    Our Self Service portal gives you instant online access to manage and view your:

    • Council Tax account
    • Business Rate account
    • Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support claim
    • Tenants Housing Benefit claims

    Log in or register to your Self Service account

    Using Self Service can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

  • Would I be able to manage my Council Tax online?

    Our Open Portal gives you instant online access to manage and view your:

    • Council Tax account
    • Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support claim
    • Tenants Housing Benefit claims

    Sign into your Open Portal account (Self Service)

    Using Open Portal can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

    Find out more information about Open Portal

  • Could I get help to pay for my Council Tax?

    If you are worried about paying your Council Tax bill, then we can help.

    Apply online for a new claim

    You can also spread your payments over 12 months instead of ten. Just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss.

    If you already receive Council Tax Support it is important to report any changes in your circumstances to us as soon as possible. This can be done by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Will I have reminders about my Council Tax bills?

    To help residents stay on top of when their Council Tax payments are due, we have started sending regular telephone/voicemail, email and text reminders to people who have fallen behind with their payments before the more formal notices are sent.

    The telephone/voicemail call will come from 03004 560560, our Council Tax telephone number.

    The text messages will come from ‘MalvernDC' and will read ‘You currently have an outstanding matter with South Worcestershire Revenues & Benefits Partnership who administer Council Tax on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council.’

    It then asks you to follow a link info.malvern.gov.uk that link will take you to a page with a security question to check your identity before giving you further instructions about your Council Tax account.

    The email will start with your name and Council Tax account number and will come from ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’ and will include instructions as to what you need to do.

    If you receive any of these messages, we can confirm they are legitimate Malvern Hills District Council communications and ask you to act on the instructions detailed as soon as possible.

    Thank you for your cooperation.

  • Can I receive my Council Tax bills by email?

    We can now send your Council Tax bill to you by email instead of by post.

    The benefits of e-billing

    • You will receive your bill as soon as it is available.
    • It saves paper so is better for the environment.
    • It helps to reduce council spending by saving printing and postage costs.
    • You still have the option to print your bill or forward a copy to someone if you need to.

    How to sign up for e-billing

    There are three ways to sign up for e-billing:

    1. Complete this form to register for ebilling: Sign up to e-billing
    2. Or you can  register for our online Council Tax Self Service facility which includes e-billing sign up and lets you view full details of your account
    3. Or you can call 03004 560 560

    What happens next?

    • Once you have signed up for e-billing we will send future Council Tax bills to you by email unless you ask us to stop.
    • You must tell us if you change your email address.
    • We will contact you if our emails to you cannot be delivered because your email address is invalid.

News

Read more …Council Tax

More Articles …

Malvern Hills 2015 - by Jan Sedlacek
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Malvern Hills 2015 - by Jan Sedlacek