Over 5,000 to get help paying their Council Tax
A COUNCIL Tax discount will be given to more than 5,000 struggling households across Nuneaton and Bedworth to help them during the coronavirus lockdown.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has been given £1.1m the government as part of a £500 million council tax hardship fund to deliver relief to taxpayers in their area.
There are a total of 5,365 people that are eligible for help with their bills.
Now the Town Hall is in the process of sorting out new bills for those who are set to receive the discount.
A borough council spokesman said: “This applies to those currently on local council tax support - new letters and bills to customers will be sent out shortly so there will be no need for them to apply for the fund themselves.
“However, if they do not have a bank account registered with us for Direct Debits they will need to follow the instructions on the letter enclosed with their new bill to claim the refund back.”
The Town Hall says it has given out 75 per cent of the small business grant payment provided by the government.
It totals almost £16m and has been paid out to more than 1,200 businesses.
The council says it changed the way it also works to make sure firms get money quickly.
As well as this, it has also axed market rent for those who are still able to set up stalls in Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres.
A council spokesperson said: “We have also switched to sending orders to, receiving invoices from, and making payments to suppliers electronically to help speed up payments and are continuing to support our market traders with the suspension of market rent to help reduce the financial strain that traders may face.”
While council buildings have closed, it says its staff have been redeployed into different areas.
Some are working from the community hub, which was setup to ensure that the most vulnerable get essential food and support.
Since distribution started in March, the council has made 833 deliveries of essential food and information packages to those most in need.
Those who have been identified as extremely vulnerable, are facing issues related to isolation or have no access to food and support and need are being urged to call 0800 4081447 or the council on 02476 376 376.