- Over 90% of Harlow households will receive a £205 Council Tax cut this year thanks to the Government’s rebate and Harlow Council Tax cut
Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, has long campaigned to cut the cost of living and in recent weeks, he has pushed the Government to announce a package of support to help with increasing bills.
Last week, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and Harlow Council announced what support they would be offering residents to help ease the price increases which are being seen in most developed countries across the globe.
To help ease the increase in the Energy Price Cap, the Chancellor announced:
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A £200 ‘smoothing’ rebate on energy bills for all households
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A non-repayable £150 Council Tax rebate for homes in Council Tax bands A-D meaning 34,500 homes in Harlow will receive the rebate
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Discretionary funding for local authorities to support households in Council Tax bands E-H
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An extension of the Warm Homes Discount worth £150 meaning more Harlow households become eligible for the fund
This comes on top of Harlow Council’s Budget last week which included a historic £55 Council Tax cut for all Harlow homes.
Taken together, these measures mean over 90% of Harlow households will receive a £205 Council Tax cut this year, which is expected to be the biggest Council Tax cut in UK history.
These measures also come on top of the Universal Credit taper rate cut, increasing the National Living Wage, freezing fuel duty for the twelfth year in a row, and launching a £500 million Household Support Fund to help the lowest-income households with their bills.
Commenting on the announcements, Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon said: “I have campaigned hard to ensure the Government takes steps to cut the cost of living and support Harlow households who are just about managing. These announcements will do exactly that, this is effective, fast and targeted support which will help 35,000 Harlow households.
“I know there is still more to do and I will continue to work hard to cut the cost of living. I am pressing the Government to think again on the National Insurance increase and ensure they maintain the fuel duty freeze which saves Harlow motorists £15 every time they fill up. I know that this will be a very tough year for residents but I am pleased that the Government and Conservative Council are taking these steps.”
Leader of Harlow Council, Cllr Russell Perrin, said:
“I recognise the extreme financial anxieties many residents are facing. We promised to cut Council Tax and we have delivered it because we will do everything possible to help Harlow families with the cost of living.
“Alongside the Government’s rebate, our cut means that at least 90% of Harlow homes will be receiving a £205 Council Tax cut this year. We are also set to freeze our Council Tax until 2025 to support residents further.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:
“Right now, I know the number one issue on people’s minds is the rising cost of living.
“That’s why the Government is stepping in with direct support that will help around 28 million households with their rising energy costs over the next year.
“We stood behind British people and businesses throughout the pandemic and it’s right we continue to do that as our economy recovers in the months ahead.”
