Local Council Tax Support Hardship Fund

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has received funding of £660,000 from the Government, as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, to help those residents who receive Local Council Tax Support.

This funding is targeted at benefit recipients classed as 'working-age' who qualify for Local Council Tax Support.

If residents are in receipt of Local Council Tax Support, during the 2020-21 financial year, they can receive a one-off discount of up to £150, which the District Council will apply directly onto their Council Tax Account.

This means that the total amount of Council Tax those benefit recipients have been asked to pay this year will automatically be reduced by up to £150.

There is no need for those currently on benefits to contact the District Council to make a claim - adjustments to accounts will be made automatically.  

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "Coronavirus is placing immense pressure on us all. Stratford District Council is determined to do everything we can to support families and businesses financially if they are struggling to make ends meet.

"This is another measure we are implementing to help reach those households on the lowest incomes in these difficult times and help those that need it.  Residents on Local Council Tax support will be getting a new bill showing them that we have reduced the amount they have to pay this year by up to £150.

"The measures we have put in place are there to help families who are on low incomes and cannot afford to pay bills at the moment. If any resident is concerned about finances then please call one of our team and we will do everything we can to help."

The District Council has applied this Local Council Tax Support Hardship Fund Discount and will be sending out new bills showing the reduction and a revised balance of Council Tax to pay.

If you have any queries regarding this please contact the Benefit Team by email at: benefits.sdc@stratford-dc.gov.uk

To date: The District Council has paid a total of £526,636.42 to 3,546 cases.

The District Council has no legal power to suspend the collection of Council Tax. Unless or until Central Government make a decision to do so we must collect Council Tax. We do completely understand the pressure many households now find themselves under but there are options available to help individual households.

Additional support may be available for families, already in receipt of council tax support and experiencing financial difficulties, depending on their individual circumstances.

Also most residents pay their Council Tax over 10 months but they are all entitled to extend their Council Tax instalments from 10 to 12 months, reducing the monthly payments by paying over a longer period for no extra charge or by taking their two-month Council Tax 'holiday' now instead of in February and March next year.

The District Council as already committed to suspending current enforcement action at this time.

If you do need assistance with your Council Tax payments please call the District Council on 01789 260990.