Eligible people living in Westmorland & Furness will still benefit from a council tax reduction scheme.
Members of the local authority unanimously agreed to continue to provide the scheme for those in need.
The scheme provides support to residents of working age who have a low income, to assist them in paying council tax. The scheme provides up to 100% support to working age applicants, depending on their level of income and make up of their household.
The amount of reduction people can get depends on savings, how much money is coming in, personal circumstances, the amount of council tax. People on a low income, may see their bill may be reduced.
People making an application and receiving Guarantee Pension Credit, Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Income Related Employment and Support Allowance normally don’t pay council tax if they make an application for council tax reduction.
The council said: “Members at Westmorland and Furness Council stressed at the meeting that they are acutely aware that many people and households are struggling at this moment in time. The cost of living is still very real and affecting many individuals and families.”
Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “I am extremely pleased that despite funding pressures we have been able to protect and keep our scheme.
“As a council we should be very proud that we are able to continue to support what is one of the most generous schemes in the country. We are committed to support all our residents and especially all those in need and facing financial hardship. I want to take this opportunity to urge anyone who thinks they are eligible to get in touch and find out what support is available to them.”
The council also has an existing policy that supports care leavers up to the age of 25 by granting up to 100% discount on their council tax.
The council also agreed to continue to apply the 100% voluntary disregard under the scheme of War Disablement Pensions, War Widows Pensions and War Widowers’ Pensions in the determination of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The council also includes Armed Forces Compensation as a voluntary disregard. This is referred to as the Local Scheme.
For more information about the council tax reduction scheme, visit the authority’s website here.
