Council leaders propose more help for struggling families

Herefordshire Council leaders are proposing to offer more support for people facing financial hardship.

Cabinet members agreed to increase the discounts for those eligible for council tax relief during the next financial year.

More than 11,000 council taxpayers in Herefordshire currently receive a reduction and more than 6,000 of these claims come from working age householders.

Councillors expect this to increase due to the economic impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on people’s livelihoods.

Finance and corporate services cabinet member Liz Harvey said it was an extremely difficult and stressful time for local families.

“It is proposed this year that the working age scheme is amended to also provide a 100% discount unless household income reaches the required threshold.

“That’s irrespective of the council tax banding of the house. This means there will be no council tax band restriction and no liability reduction.

“Under the present arrangements, nearly almost £12m of council tax discount is provided to households each year and the level of discount expected under the proposed 2021 scheme is expected to be a little over £14m.

“The reduction in council tax collected as a result of this discount increase is expected to be around £1.9m and it’s proposed that this reduction is funded by using one off funding that the council receives.

“£800,000 of which will come from the 2021 new homes bonus allocation and 1.1m from the local council tax support grant we receive.”

More than 70% of those who took part in the budget consultation said they supported an increase in support for local households facing financial difficulties.

Commissioning, procurement and assets cabinet member Gemma Davies said she was fully supportive of the proposals.

“It focuses the support we’ve got on the very people who are being impacted the most by the severe consequences of Covid.

“I don’t think any of us have an idea how big those consequences are going to be.

“But if we can provide some kind of support to help people through what is going to be a difficult few years, then you’ve got my support.”

Conservative group leader Jonathan Lester said they supported the proposals.

And Liberal Democrats group leader said he wholeheartedly agreed with the scheme but was concerned about council finances should the number of people needing support increase substantially.

“We are entering some difficult and unforecastable times,” he said.

True Independents group leader Bob Matthews the council must help those who are in most need of assistance.

Cabinet unanimously supported the recommendations.

A meeting of full council will debate the proposals on February 12.