Support measures are being put in place by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for residents who may struggle to pay their council tax as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
All residents in the borough will now receive payment free months in April and May 2020, instead of February and March 2021, with no payment taken out for these two months.
Residents who wish to continue making payments during this time can still do this.
Working age residents who receive support though the Council Tax Reduction Scheme will also receive a further reduction of up to £150 on their council tax bills. This discount will be automatically applied to eligible residents’ accounts.
Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement Cllr Hannah Golding said: “We know this is a difficult time for residents across the borough who may be worried about how they will pay their council tax bill as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Following further guidance from the government around its Hardship Fund, I am pleased we have been able to implement this support for our most vulnerable residents and we are committed to helping them through this difficult time.
“We will be applying these discounts automatically for eligible residents and you do not need to contact us. Your council tax bills will be reissued in due course. However, residents should contact us if they have any other concerns.”
For more information about the council’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/coronavirus. If you would like to make an amendment to your council tax account or instalment plan, email localtax@basingstoke.gov.uk.
