Hardship Fund

Carlisle residents can now apply for a Hardship Fund to pay towards their council tax bill.

We have put in place a new discretionary grant to support council taxpayers that have experienced exceptional hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The grant scheme is available for residents that do not meet the entitlement support provided through the Council’s Tax Reduction Scheme.

To apply for a discretionary award of Hardship Funding, the following information will be required:

• An explanation of the circumstances and reasons for requesting support.
• Details of income and expenditure to show financial hardship.
• Demonstrating the steps taken to meet household outgoings.
• Confirmation of the level of funding support required.
• Stating the period and how long it is expected that support will be needed.

A claim may be made by visiting www.carlisle.gov.uk/Hardship-Grant

Discretionary awards up to a maximum amount of £300 will be considered on a case by case basis. They will be made, subject to an application outlining circumstances being approved. Cases will only be considered where exceptional hardship is shown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support is available throughout the current financial year; however, residents are urged to make a claim as soon as possible.

Anyone requiring a hard copy of the form is asked to email [email protected] or phone 01228 817200 during normal office hours.

The financial support is funded by the government. Their Hardship Fund aims to support economically vulnerable people.

All billing authorities (including Carlisle City Council) will provide all recipients of working age local council tax support, during the financial year 2020-21, with a further reduction in their annual council tax bill of £150.

Using, their share of the government Hardship Fund, we have taken the decision to increase the minimum £150 reduction to a total of £300 per household for those in receipt of working age local council tax support during the financial year 2020-21.

For advice on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and to make a claim, please visit www.carlisle.gov.uk/Residents/Benefits-and-support/council-tax-reduction-scheme