Council tax discounts will be made from the borough's allocation of the coronavirus hardship fund announced by central Government in its spring budget. By delivering this support through the council tax reduction scheme vulnerable households don't need to apply for support and the council will apply the discount directly.

Further funds will be used to support those in most hardship via a discretionary hardship scheme aimed at residents in need of urgent financial support.

Councillor Brandon Eldred, Cabinet member for finance said: "We will continue to do everything in our power to reduce the impact of this global pandemic on everyone who lives and works in Northampton.

"This funding will help us ease money worries for some of our most vulnerable households as we all work together to combat the spread of this disease. We know that there are lots of people already feeling the impact of this pandemic and we want Northampton residents to know we are there for them.

"We have put a number of measures in place and will keep monitoring the situation and look for any other ways we can help those of us in need.

"At this crucial time, it's very important to remind our residents who can pay their council tax to continue paying it as normal, as it supports important services provided by all precepting authorities in the area, including Northamptonshire County Council, the Northamptonshire Police and Fire & Rescue authorities and local Parish Councils."

Residents who are not already claiming council tax reduction and need help with their council tax bill can make a claim at www.northampton.gov.uk/makeaclaimforcounciltaxreduction/ » Less