Corona Virus
Council provides financial support to vulnerable residents
Northumberland County Council has launched a new initiative to help thousands of vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Over 15,000 families in Northumberland who may be struggling to pay council tax during the coronavirus epidemic could be entitled to (up to) £150 off their bills over the 2020 to 2021 financial year – meaning that 12,262 claimants will now pay no council tax for the year.
The council received £3.4m of funding from the Government’s Hardship Fund. It will be used to reduce bills further for those already receiving council tax support, new claimants of council tax support and to establish a hardship fund in the county.
For residents already receiving support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme do not need to contact the council as the additional help will be automatically applied to bills in the next few weeks.
Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member with responsibility for corporate resources at Northumberland Council Council said: “We appreciate that many of our residents in Northumberland are struggling financially at this time, which can cause anxiety and stress.
“I’m delighted that the Council Tax Hardship Fund will be providing financial assistance to those who need it most. As a council, we will continue to do all we can to support our communities across Northumberland.”
The Council Tax Hardship Fund will be allocated to qualifying residents. This is an additional £150 of funding for those who already receive support due to their financial situation.
The scheme will help towards the cost of Council Tax for people on a low income or those who claim certain benefits including Universal Credit. It means that those who may have lost work or money due to coronavirus, could now benefit from this means of help.
Further details on how to apply for the new hardship funding will be announced this week.
For all other information about council tax exemptions, discounts & council tax support available, please see the website:
https://www.northumberland.
Other help is available for residents and businesses across the county at this time. Information can be found on the council website:
