NORTH Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has outlined further support to help residents with the rise in the cost-of-living – including a 100 per cent council tax reduction for households most in need.
Leader of NYCC, Cllr Carl Les, has pledged to work in tandem with the Government to provide essential financial support for residents.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the Household Support Fund is being boosted by an extra £842 million from April 1, the date when the new North Yorkshire Council launches.
Coming to an end on March 31, the third phase of the Household Support Fund, has seen letters sent to more than 23,000 eligible households in North Yorkshire with the offer of supermarket e-vouchers for up to £325 to pay for food and other essentials.
A spokesperson for NYCC said the fourth round of the fund is now “starting to develop” and full details are to be announced in the coming months, when the scheme will delivered under the new North Yorkshire Council.
The new council will merge NYCC and the existing seven district and borough authorities.
Council tax to be reduced for most at risk
A new policy is set to be adopted by North Yorkshire Council, which will see households in the greatest financial need given up to 100 per cent reduction on council tax bills.
This announcement comes following the news that the new council’s budget will see a rise in council tax of 4.99 per cent, equating to an increase of £83.64 for an average Band D property.
Cllr Carl Les, who will lead the new authority, said: “The launch of the new North Yorkshire Council marks a watershed in the way that services are provided and how local democracy is governed in the county.
“However, that will not change our commitment to support those who are struggling financially, and there is an unequivocal pledge to make sure this continues.
“We are facing immense financial challenges in North Yorkshire, like all parts of the country, but I believe by working in partnership with the Government we can provide the support that is required.”
Cost-of-living support to continue under new council
In addition to the Household Support Fund, the NYCC spokesperson confirmed that current cost-of-living support schemes are to continue under North Yorkshire Council.
These include NYCC’s work with Community Support Organisations (CSOs), which can direct people to local support, such as food banks or food share schemes, community venues offering warm spaces or support groups.
Citizens Advice will also continue to be contracted by the new council to deliver the Warm and Well project to help to ensure homes are properly heated to prevent poor health.
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The local assistance fund is to continue.
This fund - now in its 10th year - provides vouchers for food and energy bills as well as clothing, electrical items and furniture to households struggling financially.
Councillors will also continue to use their locality grants, which allow each member a budget of £10,000 per year to respond to local needs, to support community organisations that are helping households affected by the cost of living.
For further information on cost-of-living support, and to check eligibility for council tax reductions visit: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/cost-living-support
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