All working age claimants who currently receive Council Tax Reduction will receive an additional hardship payment of up to £150 to help towards their Council Tax payments.  This additional Council Tax payment will be reflected in the new Council Tax bills that will be issued in May, following the cancellation of the Climate Action Fund referendum due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, any housing benefit overpayments for both working age and pension age claimants, that are usually deducted from weekly benefit entitlement are currently suspended to ensure that people do not fall behind with their rent.

The Government have also introduced a range of additional support for benefit claimants that will be implemented by the Council’s Benefits team.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claimants will be contacted directly by the Benefits team by letter and email to advise them of the changes.

Councillor Richard Hales, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “We appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone, and so we want to do everything we can to support those who are in need of financial assistance.

“We have increased the number of staff currently available to answer telephone calls. We would urge you to contact us on 01926 456760 if you have any enquiries relating to your housing benefit, council tax reduction or for council tax payments advice.”

If you are struggling and do not have local support to assist you with obtaining essential items such as food, picking up prescriptions or medicines or need other help, please telephone 01926 456111 Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm to find out what other services are available.