Criteria
The key principles of the scheme are as follows:
- Only persons in receipt of full council tax support (and therefore liable to pay 8.5% of the full council tax liability) may apply for hardship relief
- The provision of relief is only intended as short term assistance
- No award of relief will exceed six months; within that period, those entitled to relief under the scheme will be expected to make an attempt to improve their financial circumstances so that they are able to pay their council tax
- Whilst there will be no limit on the number of applications for hardship relief, where an entitlement to relief has expired, no application will be accepted within the following six months
- Backdated claims for hardship relief will not be permitted
- The amount of hardship relief will depend on an individuals circumstances but will not exceed 100% of the net council tax liability after any exemptions or discounts
- Any relief awarded will be treated as a discount on the council tax payable
- No money will be given to claimants