Council Tax support during Coronavirus pandemic
Additional support is being rolled out to help those struggling to pay council tax during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The initial roll out is for people of working age who are eligible for the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, who will receive up to £150 off their bill in addition to any other discounts they receive.
For many people this will reduce their bill to £0 for 2020/21, and this discount will be made automatically by Tendring District Council (TDC). Due to the timing of government announcements, these changes could not be applied before this week’s instalment – however a refund will be made for those who need not pay anything, and for people who still have an element of council tax to pay their future instalments will be revised.
Residents whose financial circumstances have changed may now find themselves eligible for the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and/or Universal Credit and are encouraged to apply.
Applications for Universal Credit should be made to the Department for Work and Pensions online at www.gov.uk, while the council tax scheme can be applied for using the online enquiry form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/benefits/apply.
Carlo Guglielmi, TDC Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources, said the council would do what it could to support residents at this difficult time.
“If your financial circumstances have not significantly changed at this difficult time, please can we ask you continue to pay your Council Tax in accordance with your recent bill,” Cllr Guglielmi said.
“This will make a significant difference to how the council delivers its important services to residents and businesses during this time of difficulty and uncertainty.
“There is also external support available for businesses and the self-employed, and for mortgage holders – provided by the government and banks – and again I would encourage you to apply where applicable and obtain the help you are entitled to.
“If you are worried about council tax payments please speak to us to see what support is on offer, do not suffer in silence.”
Information about support for businesses, council tax payers, and the impact of coronavirus on TDC services, is available at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Cllr Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, added: “We know that these are worrying times, and as well as being concerned about people’s health residents may also have financial concerns.
“Please speak to us so that the appropriate support can be put in place, and continue to follow national instructions around social distancing and shielding.”
02/4/2020
NEWSDESKS
For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.