Residents on low incomes living in Tewkesbury Borough are to be granted a further £75 discount to their council tax bill.
In June last year, as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tewkesbury Borough Council received £532,000 of government funding to offer low-income households more financial support to pay their council tax. Residents in receipt of council tax reduction received an initial one-off discount of up to £150 from their council tax bill.
Some of this funding is still available, which allows the council to now offer an additional one-off discount of up to £75 to eligible residents.
Residents of working age, who are currently part of the Council Tax Reduction scheme, do not need to apply for this payment – they will be identified and paid automatically. Once the discount has been applied, customers will receive a new bill showing the deduction.
A proportion of the government funding has been set aside for new applicants to the council tax reduction scheme.
Any resident concerned they receive council tax reduction and are of working age but have not yet had a discount applied to their council tax bill are encouraged to notify the council at revenues@tewkesbury.gov.uk or benefits@tewkesbury.gov.uk or on 01684 272035.
Councillor Robert Vines, Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for finance and asset management, said: “I’m very pleased we’re now able to provide even more support for people on low incomes, especially at a time when many are being adversely affected by the ongoing pandemic. We are keen to make sure everyone receives the financial help they are entitled to, so all those who feel anxious about their household income are welcome to get in touch with us and check on their eligibility.”
For more information, and to apply to the Council Tax Reduction scheme, visit: https://covid19.tewkesbury.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits
