Neath Port Talbot Council has agreed to continue a council tax support scheme to help its most vulnerable residents.
The decision to approve the scheme for 2020-21 was made at a full council meeting on Wednesday (29th January 2020).
Known as the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the purpose is to support people who claim benefits and are on a low income to pay their council tax bill.
Councillor Carol Clement-Williams, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“I am pleased we have agreed to continue the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to support our most vulnerable residents across the county borough. The financial support we provide to those who are unable to work is key to maximising their income and helping them to avoid poverty.
“We will provide £18.7m worth of support next year to around 17,000 households in Neath Port Talbot. This includes 12,500 households receiving full support and paying no council tax, and the remaining households receiving partial support towards paying their bill.”
Eligible households can claim financial support of up to 100% of the bill depending on a person’s weekly income, amount of savings, number of dependent children and the number of non-dependants living in their home and their income. Claims cannot be made if a person has savings of over £16,000 unless the person is 60 or over and receiving the guarantee element of pension credit. The discount is paid directly to a person’s council tax account and the reductions are shown on their bill. The bill will also show how much the person needs to pay, if anything, and in how many instalments.
Councillor Carol Clement-Williams added:
“I would encourage residents who believe they meet the relevant eligibility criteria to find out more information on the council’s website.”
Welsh Government fund the majority of the cost of the scheme with the council being responsible for funding the remaining amount and managing the claims.
To find out if you are eligible or for more information on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, visit www.npt.gov.uk/counciltax .
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