Bridgend Council’s Cabinet is set to approve a new scheme to help households that may struggle to pay their council tax bills (pdf).
There are already formal council tax reduction schemes in place for certain circumstances, but the council has the power to offer additional assistance on top of this (known as discretionary relief).
Subject to approval, households would be able to apply for a discount on their council tax bills if they’re experiencing what the council deems to be “extreme financial hardship”. This definition will include:
- Households that already receive a Council Tax Reduction but continue to struggle financially.
- Households that have experienced a crisis – such as a fire or a flood.
- Anyone deemed, on merit, to justify a reduction to prevent homelessness, keep families together, support the vulnerable in their homes or help them through a personal crisis.
As suggested, this discretionary assistance – if approved – will require a formal application and supporting evidence. Any support would also be a “one-off” and changes in circumstances would need to be reported to the council.
There’s no information on how big the additional discounts would be, but that would likely be decided with the application.
