Council tax support available to residents once again

August 9, 2021

Additional funding has been made available to the council to support residents of working age who are in receipt of council tax reductions with their council tax bills for 2021/22.

Last year, the Government provided funding through the Local Council Tax Support grant to offer an additional £150 off council tax bills for people of working age and those in receipt of council tax reductions as part of their support package during the pandemic. Now, the council is pleased to announce that the additional support will be provided for a second year.

If you are not entitled to council tax reduction but are still worried about your account, please contact the council tax team to discuss what support can be offered. Please call 01702 215001 or email ctax@southend.gov.uk and someone from the council tax team will contact you either via email, or by phone if this is your preference.

If you wish to see if you are eligible for Council Tax Reduction, then our benefit calculator, which is a free to use tool, will advise on all benefits that you can claim.

Cllr Paul Collins, cabinet member for corporate services and performance delivery, said: “We know that last year, many people unfortunately suffered financially due to the Coronavirus, and the £150 grant was warmly received by many of our residents, with 9,336 awards made so far.

“Whilst most restrictions have now been lifted, we are acutely aware that there is still a need for financial support for council tax bills, so I am pleased we are able to offer this grant for a second year.

“Council tax discounts will be applied as per the national guidance as soon as the systems have been updated, giving residents in receipt of council tax reduction a further £150 discount automatically. I urge anyone who is facing concerns about their council tax bill to contact us as soon as they can so we can advise and assist.”