Here's what support you could receive to pay council tax in the Portsmouth area

Local authorities in Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant and Fareham have said council tax is still needed to 'pay for lots of services', however, financial support is available for those worst hit.

Residents with concerns about how they can meet their council tax bill could be eligible for council tax reduction or a £150 council tax support payment.

Chris Ward, finance director at Portsmouth City Council, said: 'We appreciate that many residents are struggling financially at this time and we understand the anxiety this can cause.

'We will consider everybody's individual circumstances and if someone is in difficulty, we'll do our best to help.

'Council tax is needed to help pay for lots of services we provide for Portsmouth people, including essential and critical services such as care for vulnerable adults and children and support for homeless people. It also helps to fund police and fire services.

'We are also paying more for some critical services that are needed to help the vulnerable during this time of emergency.'

Fareham Borough Council and Havant Borough Council have also said in exceptional circumstance council tax payments can be deferred.

A spokeswoman for Havant council said: 'The possibility of deferring council tax has been examined very closely, particularly in light of the difficult financial position many people find themselves in.

'At this time, the council will not be deferring council tax for all residents, although for those most at need, we are agreeing changes to their council tax payments on a case-by-case basis.

'A council tax hardship fund is being allocated to qualifying residents accounts, this is an additional £150 of funding for those who already receive support due to their financial situation, this will benefit approximately 5,100 households in the borough with a value of £1.1m.'

A Fareham Borough Council spokesman added: 'Fareham Borough Council will work with residents who are in financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak.

'We have already taken to steps to defer some residents’ payments of council tax.'

Residents are advised to visit their council's website to see what council tax support they could be eligible for.

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