Hackney,
27
March
2020
|
17:03
Europe/London

Coronavirus: Council investment to support vulnerable and affected families

Around 20,000 families and single people on low incomes will receive a further rebate of up to £150 on their Council Tax bill and hundreds more will have access to crisis cash under new Hackney Council investment for those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Working-age residents eligible for Hackney’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme will automatically receive the discount on their 2020/21 bills. Pensioners on a low income and young people leaving care already get 100% of their Council Tax paid.

An additional £500,000 will also be invested into the Council’s Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme, which residents can apply to for urgent financial support with emergency needs. A further £120,000 has been invested to support Discretionary Housing Payments for those needing support to pay rent.

Council tax discounts will be made from the borough’s allocation of the Coronavirus Hardship Fund announced by the Government in the Budget earlier this month and intended to target support at those on the lowest incomes. Delivering this through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme means these households don’t need to apply for support and we can apply the discount directly. The Council will also stop all Council Tax debt collection or enforcement action in cases resulting from Coronavirus.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Rebecca Rennison, Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing Needs and Supply
Residents in Hackney are worried about their families, incomes and jobs, and we will do everything we can to support them through this very difficult period.

This funding will provide urgent help for those residents on the lowest incomes and most exposed to the financial effects of Coronavirus. We know that there are lots of people already feeling the impact of this unprecedented pandemic and we want Hackney residents to know we are there for them.

It’s vital that residents are aware of all of the extra support that is already on offer and get in touch with us now if they are worried.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Rebecca Rennison, Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing Needs and Supply
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney
This financial support will be targeted to those that need it most. For residents with immediate support needs, especially around food – or if you are concerned about someone in Hackney who is vulnerable – please get in touch with our support hub.
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney

Anyone who needs support, or people who know someone who does, should visit the Council’s dedicated Coronavirus support hub.

The Council is working closely with its service providers to apply the discount as soon as possible. We are also exploring how we can channel support to residents with No Recourse to Public Funds.

The Council is committed to urgently exploring what other additional support residents need and ensuring that this hardship funding reaches residents most affected.

To apply for help through the topped-up funds, residents should apply online for Discretionary Housing Payments or through the Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme. 

There are a range of other support options for residents who need financial support, including: 

For independent advice and support, the Council’s regularly updated Find Support Services Map shows organisations which remain open and are providing alternative services during the current restrictions.

For the latest information about how the Council is working hard to slow the spread of Coronavirus, and to sign up for daily email updates, visit hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus