More details on council tax break in Doncaster due to corona crisis

Council bosses say people who take up the offer will be contacted at the end of the three month holiday in June and will be issued with a new bill.

The amount that is left will be collected over the remaining months of the year according to the instalment plan in place. If further assistance is required, based on financial circumstances at that time, the council says this also will be considered.

Mayor Ros Jones has reiterated that the council tax initiative is ‘not a discount’.

The mayor, along with the council’s cabinet and leadership team, has drawn up a £5m 10-point action plan to help the most vulnerable in Doncaster, and one of the points include a three month council tax holiday.

Mayor Jones said: “We recognise the huge challenge that is before all of us and Doncaster Council is absolutely committed to supporting all our residents, especially our most vulnerable.

“This is not a discount, just a break from paying. We have set it up so that anyone who is facing financial difficulty, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, can let us know so we can help them.”

The 10-point plan also included:

A three month rent holiday for struggling council house tenants

Continue to offer free school meals in the community and provide a service to the children of key workers and looked after children in schools

Quicker payments to small businesses and providers

Buy as many goods and services locally as possible to support Doncaster businesses – current local spend is 70 per cent.

Redeploy council staff flexibly and effectively where they are needed to support the emergency response

Put together isolation packs to support people and families in need

Offer local artists the opportunity through an art and culture fund to keep working

Boost funding for on the ground voluntary groups so they are in a better position to help and act quicker

Anyone who thinks they need to access this support should telephone 01302 734454 where they will be able to discuss their circumstances.