COUNCIL TAX IS SCRAPPED FOR 16,610
Hardship Fund will help struggling city families make ends meet
More than 16,600 families in Sunderland are set to have their council tax bills cancelled for this year.
A Hardship Fund scheme has set aside about £2.1million to support those struggling to make ends meet due to the impact of coronavirus.
According to figures from Sunderland City Council, 22,286 claimants of Local Council Tax Support affected by the COVID-19 outbreak could be in line for reductions to their annual council tax charges.
Letters are due to be sent out to working-age recipients signed up to the scheme, with aid worth up to £150 on offer for each household.
Also, 16,610 will have no council tax to pay for 2020/2021 under their current circumstances.
Coun Paul Stewart, the council’s cabinet secretary, said: “Many people are finding themselves under considerable financial pressure.
“And in a situation that they have never experienced before.
“There is support through Housing Benefit, Council Tax support, Universal Credit and new packages to help households and businesses.
“The council is continuing to process claims and these revised Council Tax Support bills are all part of the support schemes for residents.
“Staff are continuing to process payments.
“We are receiving a lot of inquiries and would ask people to please be patient.”
Since the beginning of March and the start of the pandemic, when the Government began introducing measures to halt the spread of coronavirus, about 6,000 new claims have been submitted for Local Council Tax Support.
The scheme is available to low-income households who would otherwise struggle to meet the charges.
The news was welcomed by Liberal Democrat opposition councillor Stephen O’Brien, who has previously called for everyone on Wearside to be given a six-month council tax “holiday”.
He said: “Council Tax bills are a huge dent into the money people have available to keep a roof over their heads and keep their families fed.
“Giving Council Tax support to people who just can’t afford to pay during the coronavirus crisis is absolutely the right thing to do.
“And I am glad the Government and Sunderland Council have listened.”