Havant Borough Council has reconfirmed its commitment to supporting low-income households, including those receiving Pension Credit, with their council tax bills.
Councillors have approved the continuation of the same scheme as last year, designed to help those who would otherwise struggle to pay their council tax bill.
The local Council Tax Support Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Fund assist a total of 8200 residents in the borough.
The council has also reconfirmed its earlier decision to introduce a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes in the borough. This measure, introduced through new legislation last year, will be implemented in this financial year 2025/26.
Councillor Paul Gray, Cabinet lead for Commercial, said “We understand that rises in council tax may be difficult for some residents and would ask that if you, or anyone you know, is struggling to pay their council tax, please reach out to the council. There are a range of ways we can assist, and details can be found on our website.
“The premium on second and empty homes is not about increasing the council’s income, but ensuring more homes are occupied in the long term. The hope is it will encourage property owners to make these properties available for families to assist in addressing the housing shortage in our borough.”
The Council Tax Support Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Fund were approved by the full council at its recent meeting on Wednesday 26 February.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, gives local authorities in England the power to charge a council tax premium of 100% on second homes from 1 April 2025. Havant Borough Council agreed at its full council meeting on 14 February 2024 to charge the 100% premium for second homes from 1 April 2025.
If you, or anyone you know, are in need of support with council tax please visit www.havant.gov.uk/benefits/council-tax-support