Discount on Preston council tax bills is now being applied after ‘software glitch’

Preston City Council will be offering a discount of £150 on council tax bills as part of the COVID-19 Hardship Relief Fund.

The council have received £1.795million, which is primarily set to be used to further reduce council tax bills for working age people.

The funding has come from of a nationwide government grant of £500million to support economically vulnerable people and households in their local area.

The council are asking that if people are still able to pay that they do so due to the increased services needed during COVID-19.

This discount was agreed in a council meeting on Thursday (June 25) and will work alongside Localised Council Tax Support.

In an email, Liberal Democrat Councillor Daniel Gregg said: “During the budget back in March, it was announced that local authorities were to help those of working age and in receipt of Council Tax Support by applying a credit of up to £150 to peoples accounts.

“This could have halved vulnerable peoples council tax bill payments, which would help make the contribution much more affordable for people this year.”

The delayed response in applying the discount by Preston City Council has been attributed to software issues in applying the discounts.

The council looks to roll out discounts now the software will allow the application of the discount.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “We are always on the front foot in helping residents who need our support, and this issue is no exception.

“Councillor Gregg is aware that information is on the Council’s website about the council tax support scheme and that we, like many other councils, are awaiting final software changes from our supplier to be able to fulfil this commitment.

“Preston will be offering an additional £150 to all working age, local Council Tax Support recipients in the area, soon after the full Council meeting on 25th June. There will be no need for people to apply.

“Furthermore, the Council is flexible in its payment arrangements for those who have struggled to pay during the pandemic and is working with individual taxpayers to help them through their financial problems.”