Millions of people that are experiencing hardship due to coronavirus could get a discount on their council tax bill to help reduce their expenses, the Government has said.
Households and families could see their bills slashed by £150 as councils look to support those who fall into 'vulnerable' groups.
Ministers today revealed that working age Brits who get Council Tax Support will be able to get help paying their bills.
A £500million Hardship Fund will provide support to those who need it most - starting in the coming weeks.
The Government expects councils to use this extra cash to reduce the bills of everyone who is eligible by £150 a year.
And if they have a bill for less than that, they won't pay council tax at all.
Councils will also be able to use the funding to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people who need it through local schemes.
Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said today: "Providing the necessary financial support to people and families is critical at this difficult time when many people will be concerned about changes to their income.
"That’s why we’re giving local councils an additional £500 million, to ensure help is available for the most vulnerable people in our society who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.
"The government is on your side and will do whatever takes to help."
Councils will receive an additional £1.6billion in funding to enable them to respond to other COVID-19 pressures across all the services they deliver, including for adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people.
The Government offers various schemes to support people who might otherwise struggle to pay their council tax.
This includes if you're a student, live alone or are classed a vulnerable adult. Find out more on council tax discounts, here.
