NORTH WALES councils are set to receive an additional £1.4million to fund the increased demand on tax reduction schemes.

The Welsh Government's £5.5m fund aims to support households in Wales with council tax bills amid a significant increase in those facing reduced income or unemployment as a result of Covid-19.

In the last year the Welsh Government has provided local authorities with £11m in additional funding to help them cater for the increased demand on the scheme.

The sums to be awarded to local authorities are:

  • Conwy: £301,553
  • Denbighshire: £327,080
  • Flintshire: £157,319
  • Gwynedd: £268,065
  • Isle of Anglesey: £132,996

Welsh Government Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We are committed to providing a responsible and targeted approach to addressing the financial impact of the pandemic. Whilst the coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone, we recognise the disproportionate impact it is having on some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for help with their council tax bills to contact their council for advice.”

The Welsh Government is due to publish its analysis on the impact that Covid-19 has had on the council reduction scheme and is working with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and local authorities to understand the longer term effects on council tax collection.

Cllr Anthony Hunt, WGLA spokesperson for resources, said: “This additional funding will be welcomed by local authorities in all parts of Wales to help hard pressed households with their council tax bills. Demand for this support had soared during the past year.

“I would reiterate the words of the Finance Minister that any resident worried about their council tax should get in touch with their local authority."