Pendle News Room

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of the Council, said: “We know that this is a very tough time for many people including the self-employed.

“We want to assure you that there is a range of support available to help you if you’re struggling.”

Measures include:

• applying to Department for Work and Pensions for Universal Credit – www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
• applying to Pendle Council for Council Tax Support – www.pendle.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport
• the option to pay Council Tax over 12 months instead of 10 to spread the cost – request via email council.tax@pendle.gov.uk
• Council Tax payment holidays of up to two months – request via email council.tax@pendle.gov.uk

Pendle Council has received a grant of £1.03m from the Government to set up a Council Tax Hardship Fund.

Councillor Iqbal explained that the Government has outlined how the Fund should be used mainly to support working-age residents who receive Council Tax Support.

• Working-age council tax payers who currently receive Council Tax Support and have a council tax bill of £150 or more will be given £150 discount in 2020/21
• Working-age council tax payers who currently receive Council Tax Support and have a council tax bill of less than £150 will have no council tax to pay in 2020/21
• Council tax payers who already receive full Council Tax Support in 2020/21 will not qualify for any further support from the Hardship Fund in line with government criteria.

Council tax payers who qualify for help from the Hardship Fund don’t need to apply for this support. It will automatically be applied to your account and you’ll receive an updated bill.

Councillor Iqbal added: “Currently, more than 7,500 residents in Pendle receive Council Tax Support based on their financial circumstances. 

“The effects of the current crisis are likely to result in more residents experiencing a reduction in their income and they may struggle to pay their council tax in the current year.

“Once the payments outlined above have been made, any remaining funding will be used to offer additional support to those who apply for Council Tax Support this year (2020/21).

“If you’re struggling financially we’ll endeavour to work with you through this difficult period.”

For more about how we could help you go to our website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus and look at the section Support for individuals.