Council Tax relief for those most in need
Residents on lower incomes in Kirklees are being offered Council Tax reductions up to 100 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government has announced that working age people on a low income and already receiving a Council Tax reduction may receive a further reduction up to £150 on their annual bill. This is to help those most in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, residents on lower incomes in Kirklees are now entitled to even more support to pay their Council Tax bills on top of this.
Kirklees Council will now be offering Council Tax reductions to households that do not usually qualify for a discount on their Council Tax. Residents just need to apply online to find out if they are eligible for a discount – each application will be means tested and based on household income.
As well as that, those already receiving a discount could also be eligible for more or even a 100 per cent discount. This will be done automatically – you do not need to apply if you already receive a discount.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “These are incredibly difficult times for all of us but for many the coronavirus pandemic has also unfortunately caused financial worries and problems. I have had no hesitation in making this decision to help more people and go beyond what the Government is offering by giving up to a 100 per cent Council Tax relief to those working age people most in need.
“I really welcome the money Government has made available to help people to be able to pay their Council Tax bill by offering discounts. We wanted to build on this further to support those in Kirklees who need help the most. In times like these, the last thing I want people to be worrying about is their Council Tax bill.
“I promise that we will continue to help residents as much as we possibly can through this pandemic. I hope that this additional support helps to ease the difficulties so many people are facing.”
We understand this is a very difficult time for many of our residents. If you can still afford to pay your Council Tax it is important to remember that it pays for essential services that we deliver to all people across Kirklees.
Hi Annie, Please try this link – https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/council-tax/covid19-financial-hardship.aspx ^CP
the link does not seem to work. Is there a technical problem and if so how else can I apply
Hi Janet, it’s based on circumstance and it means-tested. You can apply online for a discount and to check if you are eligible -https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/benefits/housing-benefit.aspx Kind regards ^CP
Is the council tax relief only available to people in work or does it also apply to pensioners?
Hi Sarah, we understand this is a difficult time for most people. We are encouraging people to apply online to find out if they are eligible for a discount https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/benefits/housing-benefit.aspx Kind Regards ^CP
Hi Samantha, we are offering support for council tenants please see info in this article here – https://kirkleestogether.co.uk/2020/03/20/worried-about-paying-your-rent-support-for-tenants/ All the best & stay safe^CP
Hi Samantha, you can apply online via this link. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/benefits/housing-benefit.aspx All the best & stay safe^CP
This is great but if your nit on benifits or low income you can still struggle esp being key workers. Is any discount for them ?
I am not in the lower paid bracket, but still struggle to pay bills and support my family – now all adults. I pay rent to the council, so how about allowing 2 months rent free period for all those who pay for their rent, not through benefits?
Please can I apply for this