Help for those suffering financial hardship
In some cases the council will offer assistance to those struggling with financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances or situations out of their control.
Cost of living support
With significant rise in the cost of living we know that some households will be struggling financially, emotionally or because they need practical advice and help.
Recession
Help for those struggling with financial difficulties due to the recent recession's effects on the UK economy, as well as some useful contacts to obtain free advice.
► What to do if you can't pay your rent
► What to do if you can't pay your Council Tax
Council Tax Support Fund 2023-24
Uttlesford District Council has received £84,546 from the government's Council Tax Support Fund. We will be using this to to reduce Council Tax bills for current working age and pension age Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) claimants by up to £25 with an additional top-up payment of up to £25.00, providing they were in receipt of LCTS with effect from 1 April 2023.
If you are not claiming LCTS you can apply for up to £25 Council Tax support through our Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF).
► Council Tax Support Fund 2023-24
Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF)
This fund has been set up to provide short term relief for our most vulnerable customers who have seen a reduction in the Government support which helped to pay their Council Tax Liability or for those who are suffering financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances.
Discretionary Housing Payment
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is an additional payment awarded by local authorities to top up the difference between the housing Benefit (HB) awarded and the actual rental liability to help prevent benefit customers from losing their homes or falling into financial difficulty with the payments.
► Find out more about Discretionary Housing Payments and who qualifies
Uttlesford household support scheme
The Uttlesford household support scheme will provide a rebate to households that were in receipt of Local Council Tax Support on the qualifying dates.
► Find out more about Uttlesford household support scheme and who qualifies for a rebate
Additional information
► Financial Management Advice - further advice and useful contacts for dealing with debt and the effects of the recent recession on the UK economy