Local councils across Wales will receive an extra £2.8m to help them fund the increase in demand on the Welsh Government’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) since the start of the pandemic.
With large numbers of households being affected by reduced income or unemployment, the scheme has provided a lifeline to many low income households across Wales.
This additional funding will support local authorities by replacing the reduced income they’ve experienced due to the increase in the number of households entitled to CTRS since lockdown began.
Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:
“Whilst the coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone, we know that it is having the most significant financial impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“The funding I am announcing today will provide local authorities with the financial reassurances they need to continue to support those who need it most through our Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for help with their council tax bills to contact their council for advice.”
The Welsh Government continues to work with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and local authorities to understand the longer term effects of increased demand on the scheme and to assess the extent of any decline in council tax collection on local authorities.
