Rebates on council tax could help some through financial difficulties

A local council may be offering council tax rebates of up to £200 to some consumers that are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, according to a recent report. The unprecedented move is to be made by Essex County Council, and amongst those that may receive the rebate are pensioners, lower income families, and soldiers that are trying to cope with soaring bills and costs.

The council has stated that it has a duty of care to vulnerable residents in the area. The leader of the council, Lord Hunningfield, said: ‘If central government cannot come up with a credible package to support people through these difficult times, then local government must step up and use whatever powers it has to fill this void.’

The council will be liaising with a number of other authorities such as the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs in order to identify which local residents are most in need of the council tax rebate. The council will be trying to send out cheques to those that qualify before the heaviest fuel bills start to come in.

The rebate could help these families to cope a little better with soaring fuel bills, rising petrol prices, rocketing food prices, and higher mortgage costs, according to council officials.