£4million to slash or axe Sunderland council tax bills during coronavirus crisis

Sunderland is set to receive almost £4million under a government scheme to help ‘those who need it the most’ during the COVID-19 crisis.

As well as reducing council tax bills, local authorities have also been told they can use the cash to provide other support for struggling families.

“Many people across Sunderland will be experiencing additional hardship because of COVID-19,” said Coun Paul Stewart, cabinet secretary at Sunderland City Council.

“The council’s existing Local Council Tax Support scheme takes into account your personal circumstances, including your income, your age and the level of savings you have.

“Allocations of Government funding have been based on the latest available information of the number of working age claimants for this support in Sunderland, around 19,400 people.

“The access to extra funding from the government is welcome because the council is anticipating further enquiries as the COVID curbs begin to impact upon many people’s incomes.

“Over the next few days I will be working with officers to ensure that the scheme maximises the benefit to our residents, supporting as many people as possible.”

The most recent government budget included a £500million Hardship Fund to support vulnerable families most affected by Coronavirus.

In Sunderland, the cash will be available to reduce council tax bills and fund the city council’s Crisis Support and Community Care Support schemes, both of which are open to people claiming benefits or who can show they have no ‘readily available savings, capital or investments to meet their needs’.

Councils have also been promised a further £1.6billion to support services, such as adult social care and help for the homeless, affected by the outbreak.

In a statement to councils, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick promised ministers would do ‘whatever it takes to help’.

He said: “Providing the necessary financial support to people and families is critical at this difficult time when many people will be concerned about changes to their income.

“That’s why we’re giving local councils an additional £500million, to ensure help is available for the most vulnerable people in our society who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.”