Council tax support available to residents

April 1, 2020 by Southend Council

Residents concerned about paying their council tax bills are being asked to contact the council for support and advice.

If you are struggling with finances at this time due to a reduction in your household income, in the first instance please review the council’s dedicated website page: www.southend.gov.uk/coronafinances

View the section titled Benefit Calculator and if appropriate submit a claim for council tax reduction, which could lead to a reduction of up to 75% of your council tax bill.

Additionally, a COVID-19 hardship fund has been set up to give those already in receipt of council tax reduction an additional £150 off their council tax bills. Those of working age and in receipt of council tax reduction do not need to do anything as it will be applied automatically.

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 we can offer you through this period. The department is not available to answer calls during this period, therefore all communication will need to be via email to ‘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.

In light of the situation surrounding COVID-19 and the impact this may have on residents, the council tax department has also suspended all council tax enforcement action at this time. Please note, if your financial situation has not changed, please pay your bill as normal.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “We are acutely aware of the challenges many residents are facing. Many people are now on a reduced wage, and in some cases out of work entirely, and we must ensure we support these people as best we can.

“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.

“We’re in discussions with Government and other councils to see what more we can do to help people at this difficult time, and we are continuing to monitor Government guidance and will continue to adapt the support available as the situation continues to change. Residents and businesses should visit the council’s website which is being regularly updated to see what further support is available for residents and businesses.”

For more information on the support available, please visit www.southend.gov.uk/coronafinances