Over 12,000 Northumberland households set to pay no council tax during Covid-19 outbreak

Northumberland County Council's HQ in Morpeth.

More than 12,000 Northumberland households will pay no council tax this year as the local authority distributes coronavirus cash.

Northumberland County Council received £3.4million from the Government’s hardship fund and, as previously reported, 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.

The authority has revealed that more than 15,000 households in the county who may be struggling to pay council tax during the COVID-19 outbreak are entitled to up to £150 off their bills for the 2020-21 financial year.

It means that 12,262 claimants will now pay no council tax for the year – essentially a return to the position prior to last year when the maximum level of council-tax support was reduced in Northumberland.

This cut, from 100% to 92%, meant that every household in the county had to pay at least 8% of their council tax requirement and saw 12,500 people receive a bill for the very first time in 2019-20.

Residents already receiving support through the council tax reduction scheme do not need to contact the authority as the additional help will be automatically applied to bills in the next few weeks.

Coun Nick Oliver, the cabinet member for corporate services, 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 hardship fund 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 this scheme will be announced this week.

For more information on council tax support as well as other help for residents and businesses during the coronavirus crisis, visit https://www.northumberland.gov.uk

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