Residents across Gedling borough who are struggling to meet their council tax bill in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic can now apply to a hardship fund.
Gedling Borough Council is using £870,000 government grant funding to establish a hardship fund to assist residents who need support with their finances as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Council Tax Hardship Fund will help families who are in receipt of Council Tax support, meaning they could receive a reduction of up to £300 in their Council Tax. This funding could help at least 1,000 households across the borough who are in receipt of Council Tax support. These households will automatically receive the reduction and do not need to contact the council in order to get the discount. Additional support may also be available for families, already in receipt of council tax support and experiencing financial difficulties, at the council’s discretion, depending on their individual circumstances.
If residents have a reduction in earnings they may also be eligible for support through the council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme. 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.
If residents need some more information about any of the discounts, reliefs and support available they can get they can contact the council by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling our Customer Services team in 0115 901 3901.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Michael Payne said: “Coronavirus is placing immense pressure on us all. Gedling Borough Council is determined to do everything we can to support families and businesses financially if they are struggling to make ends meet.
“We are looking at each circumstance on a case by case basis and we will help those who need it. 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.
He added: “If any resident is concerned about finances then please visit our website or call one of our team and we will do everything we can to help. We are all in this together.”
