Mendip District Council is to provide additional council tax reductions worth an extra £750,000 to hundreds of its most vulnerable people and households.

The aim is to ease the financial burden on those Mendip residents who are already in most need and unable to go to work, due to restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The measures mean eligible residents of working age, in receipt of council tax support, will get an immediate, one-off discount of £150 extra - which will further reduce their 2020/21 council tax bill.

The support, financed centrally through the Government's £500 million Hardship Fund for Local Authorities, was agreed unanimously by the council's Cabinet who met on Monday (May 11). The fund will supplement Mendip's numerous existing relief schemes.

The council is prepared for a substantial increase in residents claiming council tax support who will also benefit from this £150 extra discount.

Uptake will be closely monitored and monthly updates presented to councillors. The matter will be reviewed again at Cabinet in August.

Cllr Barry O'Leary, portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, said: "This is where Mendip matters.

"It demonstrates how well-placed district councils are to deliver vital, on the doorstep, support to those in greatest need in our communities.

"The council is getting things done, for a fairer future. We do these things, not because they are a nice to have, but because they are necessary to help those most in need."

Cllr Ros Wyke, leader of Mendip District Council, said: "I really welcome the cross party work on this.

"It's another example of Mendip making decisions and policies in an inclusive way, together.

"We've moved swiftly in this crisis and to those residents who most need our support I say - contact us, because help is at hand."

Council Tax Support and the Additional Hardship Discount:

- If you're eligible for the Additional Hardship Discount for the 2020/2021 tax year, you should get a new council tax bill in the coming weeks.

- If you're not yet receiving council tax support, are on a low income and think you may be eligible, contact the council.

- In particular, if you're claiming Universal Credit for the first time, you may also be eligible to claim.

Check your eligibility and get help here: www.mendip.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport.

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