AN overhaul in Council Tax support means Redditch Borough Council will become one of only 40 councils in the country to offer up to 100 per cent support for working age residents.
The scheme will be moving to a new grid scheme from April 1, which means residents in need of extra help will be able to claim up to 100 per cent of their Council Tax.
Currently, residents struggling to pay their council tax can claim up to 80 per cent of their bill.
The new scheme means that some residents in need will be able to claim the full amount off their council tax.
“The original scheme was not cost-effective, and more money was spent through legal proceedings and officer time trying to recover debts, than we would have received from the Council Tax,” Councillor David Thain, portfolio holder for finance and enabling.
“We are proud to be one of only a few councils to deliver this for our residents.
“This support is there for anyone who needs it, whether you’ve required help from us before or not.
“So, if your circumstances have changed, please come forward and check if you’re eligible.”
Council Leader Coun Matt Dormer, said: “After the past 12 months living through the pandemic, we’ve seen so many more people needing a little extra help due to job losses or furlough, so this scheme will make a big difference to the lives of some of our most financially vulnerable or struggling residents.”
The new scheme provides support from the day it is needed, to help residents avoid crisis situations, and criteria changes mean that more residents may now be eligible for this sort of help.
For more information about the new scheme visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk/CTSBanded, email [email protected] or call on 01527 534050.
