A new financial assistance scheme is on offer for residents who are struggling to pay their 2023/24 council tax bill due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Uttlesford District Council has set up the 'Cost of Living Support Fund' to help residents who are experiencing short-term financial difficulties.
The scheme is designed for residents who are unable to improve their circumstances in the short term while inflation outstrips income - and their are increased costs to every aspect of daily life.
To qualify for help, applicants must be occupying a property within the district as their main home, and be liable for the 2023/24 council tax bill.
They must also provide supporting evidence of how their household has been negatively affected by the rising cost of living.
The scheme will run for the financial year - from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
Full details and the application form can be found on the council’s website, at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support-discount.
Meanwhile the Government has announced a package of support - called the Council Tax Support Fund - to help the most vulnerable households with their council tax payments.
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As part of the package, Uttlesford District Council will receive a payment of £84,546 for the main scheme - to provide £25 direct payments to households that receive Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) for 2023/2024.
The council has discretion on the remaining funds, and will provide all LCTS claimants with an additional top-up payment of £25.
Residents who are in receipt of LCTS do not need to contact the council - as the reductions will automatically be applied to their council tax bill.
Uttlesford District Council also has a small put of funding, known as the Exceptional Hardship Fund, to further support vulnerable households with their council tax bill.
Details on how to apply are available at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/ehf.
Anyone who would like to apply for the funding but does not have internet access can call the council on 01799 510510.
You can also visit the council offices in Saffron Walden, where officers will be able to provide assistance in making an application.
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