April 9, 2020 5.14 pm This story is over 47 months old

Council tax break offered during coronavirus crisis

A deferred council tax payment is just one solution being offered

People struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic are being offered council tax payment delays.

With the economy taking a beating during the lockdown, many are wondering how they will cope.

In response, councils are calling on people to get in touch as soon as possible if they are experiencing difficulties in order to help them pay it.

A statement from North Kesteven District Council said: “The council’s immediate priority during the outbreak and the period of uncertainty that it has caused is to do everything it can to keep its residents safe and healthy and maintain the essential services that it provides to support its residents.

“For this it needs reliable funding, so it cannot simply waive the council tax.”

Some councils, including the City of Lincoln, North Kesteven, and West Lindsey District Councils, are giving those who pay in 10 monthly instalments the option to have payments delayed.

This would effectively see them moving the free months usually in February and March, instead to April and May – instead beginning their payments in June.

This is similar to options given to those who, in non-coronavirus times, might have missed a payment if they paid manually rather than direct debit.

Some councils have also offered to move “rent free” weeks for their tenants forward in the calendar year.

Government chiefs have announced funding for councils to provide support to residents in receipt of council tax support. The money will help knock £150 off the bill – around 10% of the average.

To find out whether you are eligible for council tax help, all councils ask residents to call, email or get in touch via their website.

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