SOME Wiltshire residents will soon be paying even less council tax, as more than £3million is granted to the county to support people "struggling financially" during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest support package from the Government has provided fresh funding to authorities across England totalling £500million, to support economically vulnerable people and households.

The scheme ensures that anyone who qualifies for council tax reduction will receive a further credit-free cut of £150, in addition to their current council tax benefit.

The £3m sum, being managed locally by Wiltshire Council, is aimed at working-age families who already qualify for council tax reduction but still have to pay some council tax.

Leader of Wiltshire Council Philip Whitehead said: “Covid-19 has left some people struggling financially and this extra money will provide support and hopefully ease the pressure for those who are already in a particularly vulnerable situation.

“We know this is such a difficult time, and we’re doing all we can help people get through it and ensuring this money gets to those who need it most.”

The council says there are currently more than 16,000 working age households in receipt of a council tax reduction in Wiltshire, and around 11,000 of those will qualify for additional financial support under this scheme.

The scheme also applies to people who are successful in claiming council tax reduction for the first time who may need some short-term support, before they return to work.

Qualifying households will shortly receive a new council tax bill for 2020/21 by Wiltshire Council, confirming they have been awarded a further reduction.

For more information and to ask questions call 0300 456 0109 or email counciltax@wiltshire.gov.uk