Martin Lewis 'thankful' to Swindon Borough Council for correcting information about council tax relief
The local authority was flagged in January as one of 69 that had incorrect information on its website
Last updated 13th May 2026
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has said he is “thankful” for the swift action by Swindon Borough Council, along with 68 others, to correct information for carers and benefits on its website.
The local authority was flagged in January as one of 69 that had incorrect information on its website, indicating that fewer people than is actually the case were eligible for a discount in the council tax they pay if they are a live-in carer.
Council bosses at the time said the information on the council’s website was put right as soon as the article was seen.
Leader of the authority, Councillor Jim Robbins, said: “The carers discount information was reviewed and updated as soon as officers saw the story.
“The discount was always available. The issue was one missing line of eligibility info on a form, which is now fixed.”
At the time, Cllr Robbins added: “The section in question is managed by Liberata, the outsourced provider. Liberata have now strengthened their review protocols.
“Our own content has been enhanced so carers can easily find what they need.”
Now all the councils, including neighbouring South Oxfordshire, Vale of the White Horse, Cheltenham, and Gloucester, have followed suit, Mr Lewis said: “Carers are some of society’s most unsung heroes. They’re already hard done by, so even one council listing the wrong information – which risked deterring carers from claiming much-needed help – would’ve been one too many.
“I am thankful that in the four months since we launched our report, all the councils identified in our investigation have now fixed the mistakes and made things clearer – this prompt action helps.
“I would encourage all carers who thought they weren’t eligible after previously checking councils’ websites to check again or use Carers UK’s help pages if they’re unsure.
Helen Walker, chief executive at charity Carers UK, said: “Caring often brings significant extra costs, including higher energy bills, and many carers have to reduce their working hours or give up work altogether to care, making it even harder to make ends meet.
“The fact that all 69 councils highlighted have corrected misleading information on their websites about council tax discounts is an excellent result for this investigation.
“Councils must recognise the pressures many carers are facing, with caring responsibilities leaving little time or energy to navigate complex systems or unclear guidance.
“We’re pleased to see positive change enabling carers to better access the financial support they are entitled to.”