The Coronavirus outbreak will have a serious financial impact on many local families and businesses. Derbyshire Dales District Council understands this and is ready to help.
Below is a statement from the District Council which gives advice for anybody struggling financially or facing an uncertain few months ahead.
I hope you find this useful. Please pass on to your friends, family and neighbours who you think might find this helpful.
If you wish to discuss this or any other matter, please get in touch.
Regards
Colin Swindell
District Councillor
FROM DERBYSHIRE DALES DISTRICT COUNCIL
Financial Support for Residents During COVD-19
Derbyshire Dales District Council recognises that in these unprecedented times many of our residents and businesses will need financial support. We will make sure that any government support is passed through to you as soon as practically possible. We have therefore introduced measures to try to ease some of the pressures you may be experiencing.
- If, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, you are struggling to make your normal payments – such as Council Tax – then please contact us and we will do what we can to assist by reviewing your instalment dates. You can contact us preferably by email at revenues@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or by telephone on 01629 761222 (normal office hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm except on Tuesdays when we start at 10.30am).
- All recovery action against households, including for prior years, has been initially suspended until Tuesday 30th June 2020.
- The Council’s Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme provides financial support to households with low incomes. We would encourage those who wish to make a claim to do so as soon as possible and we’ll be prioritising these claims to get support to eligible households as soon as we can.
If you wish to claim Council Tax Support please complete our online form or telephone us on 01629 761188. - The Government has recently announced a £500m Hardship Fund and the Council will be receiving additional funding to further assist those of working age who claim Council Tax Support. Eligible households will receive a credit on their council tax account. This will be £150 or the amount outstanding on your account if lower. You do not need to apply for this, if you are eligible it will be awarded automatically and you will be sent a new council tax bill.
- The government has announced changes to the Housing Benefit calculation in response to the COVID 19 situation. Anyone receiving Local Housing Allowance Housing Benefit (privately rented accommodation) will find their Housing Benefit entitlements increased from 6th April. Some working age claimants, who receive Working Tax Credit attract ‘an additional earnings disregard’ of £17.10 per week. This is set to be increased, again from 6th April, to £37.10 per week. We will be reassessing all claim entitlements affected by these changes automatically and issuing new printed letters that explain your revised entitlements. These letters will be issued in early April and will replace previous correspondence sent out.
Elton, Derbyshire 
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