COULD YOU GET HELP PAYING YOUR COUNCIL TAX?

A renewed call-out has been made to Folkestone & Hythe district residents who may need help paying their Council Tax.

During the last month, hundreds of households who were struggling as a result of difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic have been able to claim much-needed assistance.

Residents are requested to first visit the Council website folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/financial-support where there is a benefits and budget calculator. This calculator helps to work out personal budgets, entitlements to benefits and how changes in circumstances can affect a personal budget.

Anyone of working age who is in receipt of Council Tax Reduction will get up to a further £150 off their bill automatically. Eligible residents don’t need to contact the council to get this discount applied.

Cllr Tim Prater, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits, Anti-Fraud and Corruption said: “The message is a simple one – don’t miss out, check what help you could be entitled to.

“Everyone knows what a difficult time this is for many, many people and I want to remind our residents that there is help available. Go online and work out what financial help you may be able to get.

“The Revenues and Benefits team has been working hard to ensure that help is reaching people but they need to know your circumstances and how they might have changed due to COVID-19.”

If you are unable to go online and complete the calculator or any of the other financial support forms online you should contact customer services on 01303 853555. Please be patient as the council is currently experiencing a high volume of calls.

Around 200 eligible businesses in Folkestone & Hythe District are also yet to claim the financial support they are entitled to. Full details of the support available to businesses can be found at folkestone.works/COVID-19-business-updates

For the latest on COVID-19 related matters locally, please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus