Date issued: 1 April 2020
The Government has announced that Working Age households which currently receive Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) may be entitled to a further hardship reduction as part of its measures to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19.
Around 5,000 residents living in Colchester in receipt of LCTS, who are of Working Age, will receive a further hardship reduction of whatever balance they owe to the council, to a maximum of £150. There is no need for residents to contact the council.
The reduction will automatically be applied, and recipients notified.
Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: “It is vital that residents on low income receive the support they desperately need. The Hardship Fund is a very welcome addition to the range of support we can provide and will help many households during this difficult time.
“If you are struggling to pay your council tax, buy food, pay rent, I would urge you to visit our website. You may not be eligible for Local Council Tax Support, but you may be eligible for a different kind of benefit, such as Universal Credit.”
For more information on benefits visit the council’s digital information directory, www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Page last reviewed: 1 April 2020