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Hardship Relief
Hardship relief is available to ratepayers whose circumstances have become so severe that not granting relief may cause unnecessary hardship either financially or otherwise.
A ratepayer can apply for hardship relief on either occupied or unoccupied property.
However the Council may not grant hardship relief unless it is satisfied that;
- The ratepayer would sustain hardship if the Authority did not do so; and
- It would be reasonable to do so, having regard to the interests of persons subject to its Council Tax.
The term hardship is not confined to financial hardship. All and any extenuating circumstances will be considered.
Financial hardship does not necessarily mean an application will be successful. The 'interests' of local tax payers in an area may go wider than direct financial interests, for example where the employment prospects in the area would be worsened by a company going out of business, or the amenities of an area might be reduced.
Refusal to grant relief cannot be challenged at a liability order hearing in the Magistrates Court. The decision can only be challenged by way of a Judicial Review at the High Court.
An application for hardship relief must be made in writing to;
The Revenues & Benefits Service
Town Lodge
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Herts SG6 3HN
You will need to supply the previous two years audited accounts.
Telephone (01462) 474668
Fax (01462) 474496