News MBC Council Tax support for low income households
Maidstone Borough Council is working with vulnerable people and households across its borough to provide much needed support and help to those most affected by the Coronavirus in providing Council Tax support.
The Council is working with its residents following the Government announcement today – Tuesday 24 March, confirming that a £500m hardship fund is to be introduced across the country to provide Council Tax relief in 2020 to 2021 for those who need it most.
Local Government Secretary – Rt Hon Robert Jenrick confirmed details of the Hardship Fund, which was announced by the Chancellor as part of the latest Budget, stating that it will go to local authorities in England to enable them to reduce the 2020 to 2021 Council Tax bills of working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support.
As part of the Hardship Fund local authorities will now also be able to use the funding to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people through other support arrangements such as Local Welfare Schemes.
Maidstone Borough Council Chief Executive Alison Broom said:
“We are pleased that this Hardship Fund will now be enable MBC to provide much-needed support to those households in our borough that are on the lowest incomes by reviewing the need for them to pay council tax and providing them with the help they may need.“This Council is here to support all of our residents. If anyone has been financially affected by the Coronavirus and is unable or struggling to make their Council Tax payments we would advise that in the first instance that they should visit the MBC website (www.maidstone.gov.uk) and using the benefits calculator review their entitlements including the possibility of applying for Universal Credit or Council Tax support.”
“MBC and would encourage anyone that is concerned to contact us to see how we can assist - If they should need to contact the Council Tax team they should call: 01622 602003 or email counciltax@midkent.gov.uk.”
The Council contact centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and we apologise for any delay customers may experience. To avoid a delay please visit the MBC website for help.