Cheshire East offers financial support

The Government announced new grants to support economically vulnerable people and households as part of its response to COVID-19.  This provides additional support to the council tax support scheme

Recognising that COVID-19 is likely to cause fluctuations in household incomes and some individuals may struggle to meet council tax payments Cheshire East are advising residents of the following:

This new grant will help those of working age on a low income who still have to pay a minimum of 25% of their council tax.

All working age customers receiving council tax support during 2020/21 will receive a further reduction of £150 in their annual council tax bill.  Where the liability for 2020-21 is, following an award of council tax support, less than £150, the balance will be reduced to nil.

Those of pension age on a low income can already qualify for full council tax support, leaving nothing to pay.  

The adjustments will be made by the end of April 2020 and a revised council tax demand will be issued.  You do not have to apply for this additional payment.

Deferred payments

We’re offering residents whose employment or income has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic the opportunity to delay payment of Council Tax. There are 3 options available;

1. Defer Council Tax payments June – February
2. Defer Council Tax payments June – March
3. Defer Council Tax payments July – March

Use our online form to apply

Defer my payments

If you pay by direct debit and your instalment date is 1 April 2020 you’ll need to contact your bank to cancel their direct debit.

Benefits

All of our claim forms are online. Make sure that you have claimed all of the benefits that you are entitled to. For working age families this is universal credit from the DWP and this will include help with your rent. Discretionary payments can help if you are struggling to pay your rent and already in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit that includes a housing costs element.

Financial difficulties

We are looking to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties who should check their eligibility for Benefits by visiting gov.uk/benefits,  cheshireeast.gov.uk/benefits or contact the Council Tax team if you are unable to pay your bill.

The Cheshire East Emergency Assistance scheme is a safety net for people in crisis. This is a non-cash scheme, but we can help in other ways.

The Money Advice service has financial information for people affected by the response to Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheshire East Supported Employment – Job Matching Service

Our Supported Employment team want to job match people who are coming out of work as a result of Covid-19 with local employers who are looking to recruit temporarily.  If you would like us to help you transfer into a new role fill in our form and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.

Apply for our job matching service

Local employers looking to recruit

We can source potential employees to meet current recruitment demand. Email your requirements to supportedemployment@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Cheshire East people helping people

We want to help local people to support one another by harnessing and supporting the fantastic work that is already being done in communities across the borough.

Leave us your details if you would like to offer support or need to access help.