South Kesteven residents who receive Council Tax Support in may receive a further reduction of £150 in their bills for 2020/21 thanks to additional Government funding.

The additional money is aimed at supporting those already eligible for help under the Government's Council Tax hardship scheme to further help residents facing financial difficulties during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Cllr Adam Stokes, said: "This is welcome news which means that some of the taxpayers who are entitled to the relief will have nothing to pay for this year.

"The Council will be applying the deduction to accounts automatically. So, if you qualify, you do not need to do anything. We will calculate the amount and put it on your bill automatically."

Council taxpayers who have already made payments this year, may be entitled to a refund. SKDC will automatically return payments to bank accounts where possible, if there is a bank account linked to the Council Tax account, or if SKDC has paid Housing Benefit into the bank account.

If there is no bank account linked to the customer's Council Tax account or SKDC has not paid Housing Benefit into their account, they should contact the council by calling 01476 406080 to arrange a refund. The officer will need to check some details with them about their claim for Council Tax Support, to ensure that the refund is issued to the correct person.

SKDC will not contact anyone to ask for bank account details over the telephone or by text message. So, if anyone does make contact asking for these, do not to provide them.

Householders are also asked not to visit the Council Offices to try to arrange a refund as the offices are currently closed.