More than 14,500 households in Wolverhampton who are struggling financially during the coronavirus crisis are seeing their council tax bills reduced by £150.
14,798 households which are in receipt of council tax support are automatically entitled to receive the Government’s coronavirus Hardship Fund.
Amended bills are currently being sent out to eligible households to reflect the changes.
Central Government awarded Wolverhampton £3.3 million to assist low-income households with their council tax bills during the pandemic.
Since the emergence of coronavirus and the subsequent effects of lockdown on incomes, more than 400 new households in the city have successfully applied for council tax support.
Council tax support reduces council tax liability for those on a low income. The additional £150 reduction is being given to those in receipt of council tax support.
Councillor Louise Miles, City of Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for resources, said: “The impact of coronavirus on household income can be severe, we know unemployment has increased in the city and as a result, more people will be struggling to make ends meet.
“Anybody who is unable to pay their council tax should visit the council website to see if they might be entitled to council tax support. They need to apply for council tax support online and if they qualify, the additional £150 from the Government’s hardship fund will be automatically applied to reduce their bill.”
In recognition that the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures will hit incomes, the council announced a series of measures in March to offer assistance to people who may struggle to pay their council tax.
These include suspending court action for the recovery of council tax and a commitment to renegotiate repayment plans with people who are struggling and/or where enforcement action might be necessary.
Anyone struggling to pay their council tax should visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk to see what support is available and to inform the council of any difficulties.
