Coronavirus: Town Hall unveils crisis funding for over 20,000 vulnerable households

Hackney Council today announced a financial care package for around 20,000 low-income households affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of working-age residents who are eligible for council tax support will automatically receive a rebate of up to £150 on their 2020/21 bill.

A further £500,000 will be pumped into the Town Hall’s Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme, which provides urgent financial help to residents with emergency needs who apply for it.

The council tax rebates will come from Hackney’s portion of the Coronavirus Hardship Fund unveiled by the government earlier this month.

The Town Hall says delivering the discounts through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme means these households can receive them without needing to apply.

It is understood to be working closely with its service providers to apply the discounts as soon as possible, as well as exploring how to channel support to residents with No Recourse to Public Funds. 

The Town Hall will also stop all council tax debt collection or enforcement action in cases resulting from coronavirus.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Rebecca Rennison, cabinet member for finance, said: “Residents in Hackney are worried about their families, incomes and jobs, and we will do everything we can to support them through this very difficult period.

“This funding will provide urgent help for those residents on the lowest incomes and most exposed to the financial effects of coronavirus.

“We know that there are lots of people already feeling the impact of this unprecedented pandemic and we want Hackney residents to know we are there for them.

“It’s vital that residents are aware of all of the extra support that is already on offer and get in touch with us now if they are worried.”

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville added: “This financial support will be targeted to those that need it most. For residents with immediate support needs, especially around food – or if you are concerned about someone in Hackney who is vulnerable – please get in touch with our support hub.” 

Anyone who needs support, or knows someone who does, should visit the council’s dedicated Coronavirus support hub.

To apply for help through the topped-up funds, residents should apply online for Discretionary Housing Payments or through the Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme. 

There are a range of other support options for residents who need financial support, including: 

• Applying for Universal Credit
• Applying for Housing Benefit or Council Tax support

For independent advice and support, the council’s regularly updated Find Support Services Map shows organisations which remain open and are providing alternative services during the current restrictions.

For the latest on what the council is doing to slow the spread of coronavirus, visit hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus