Council Tax support during Coronavirus

Bedford Borough Council is working to offer local residents help with their Council Tax, for those who are struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council has a 100% Council Tax Reduction Scheme in place; this means that those with the lowest incomes already do not pay any Council Tax.

Following the Government's announcement of a COVID-19 Council Tax Hardship Fund, the Council is extending this. This means that anyone who receives any level of Council Tax support will now receive a bigger reduction off their bill and in some cases, won't have to pay any Council Tax at all. This discount will be automatically applied to your Council Tax bill if you are eligible, and you will receive an updated bill from the Council.

If your circumstances have changed and you think you will be eligible for Council Tax Support please fill in an online form on the Council's website www.bedford.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport. If you are having immediate difficulty paying your Council Tax bill, get in touch with the Council and trained advisors will be able to help.

If you are facing an immediate financial crisis, the Council has a system of crisis grants and hardship support in place.

At this crucial time it's very important that those who can pay their Council Tax are asked to continue paying as normal to support the important services in our community. Council services are under huge pressure, working to deliver care for the vulnerable and elderly, and keeping vital day-to-day operations running.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "We know that some people are facing financial difficulties because of coronavirus. We are working to ensure that those who need it the most, will receive help and support. I am proud that we have continued over many years to ensure that those most in need do not pay any Council Tax at all, and now additional funding is allowing us to increase support further to those that are struggling. We always work to make sure that individuals are getting all the support they are entitled to with their Council Tax, and would always encourage anyone in financial difficulty to get in touch with us sooner rather than later. Don't just ignore it- there is help available."