RESIDENTS struggling to pay council tax are in line to receive help.

West Oxfordshire District Council has been given £474,564 from the Government’s Hardship Fund, which it is currently using to offer up to £150 for those in receipt of council tax support (CTS).

Numbers of those receiving CTS in the district have increased by seven per cent to 2,387 between March and June, and are expected to rise significantly over coming months as the furlough scheme ends.

However, even if the number of CTS claimants rises by 100 per cent, the council estimates there would be a surplus from the grant of more than £150,000.

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As a result, councillors have now ring-fenced funding to create a Council Tax Hardship Fund.

In December, a review will take place with surplus funding awarded to CTS residents who owe more than £150.

Awards of up to £150 will continue to be given to new CTS claimants throughout the remainder of the financial year.

Toby Morris, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are determined to make best use of the Government funding available and it is only right it is given to those who have been hardest hit.

“With the number of benefit claimants rising in the district, we will continue to review the situation and give as much help as possible.”