Hundreds of thousands of homes to get council tax payment holiday – how to check if your bill is changing
HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits could be entitled to a council tax holiday as local authorities across the country roll out plans to help people cope with coronavirus.
Councils have begun announcing plans to help residents struggling with their finances through the next few months.
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Some councils - like Hackney - are offering rent holidays for tenants who are struggling.
Others - like Lincoln - are moving the two rent-free weeks to April 6 & 13 from December for those who are struggling.
Many councils have additional funds available for those in need and most have said tenants will not be evicted for late payments for the next three months.
It comes after the Government announced a £500 million Hardship Fund for local authorities to provide support to those who need it most because of coronavirus.
The extra cash is being used to further reduce council tax bills for households who receive Council Tax Support - knocking an extra £150 off bills for those most in need.
It is up to individual councils on how they decide to use the cash which has been confusing for households.
Most councils have said the discount will be applied automatically to households who are entitled to it, but some have said residents must apply to see if they are eligible - sparking fears many may miss out without realising.
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Rent for council tenants was due to increase by 2.7 per cent, but the council has said tenants will be refunded the extra they paid at the beginning of this month.
It comes after local councils across the country came under fire for going ahead with proposed increases to rent, council tax and service charges despite coronavirus.
Households across the UK are now paying up to 15 per cent more on their council tax bill.
The average B and D council tax in England for 2020-21 will be £1,817, up from last year’s figure of £1,750.
That means homes in England will see an average increase of £67, or 3.9 per cent.
Band D properties in this area will be charged £1,252.41 in 2020-21, up from £1,445.22 in the previous year and an increase of £192.81.
In Scotland, homes will pay and average of 4.1 per cent extra compared to last year.
Some councils have also announced rent holidays for some tenants because of coronavirus.
For example, Lincoln is offering two rent free weeks to those eligible from April 6.
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “Residents should check with their council to find out what support is on offer for them.
“Councils are working hard to ensure hardship funding reaches those who need them as quickly as possible.
“This funding has meant councils can provide much-needed support to households on the lowest incomes by quickly reducing or removing the need for them to pay council tax.
“Some councils have also delayed collecting payment of council tax until June, bringing forward the two months residents don’t pay the bill to the beginning of the calendar year.”