Stockport Council’s Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Residents: Council Tax and Household Bill Aid
Stockport Council's Cost of Living Hub is stepping up to assist residents in confronting the ongoing challenges of rising living costs. Acting as a comprehensive resource, this one-stop hub gathers all available support services under one roof.
Moreover, the council has established a Resident Advice and Support scheme dedicated to offering assistance and guidance over the phone. Residents are encouraged to reach out if they have concerns about financial pressures. The hub and advice line caters to all individuals, providing support on various fronts, including access to food, aid for those at risk of losing their homes, and assistance for those facing difficulties in paying their council tax.
To access these vital services, the Cost of Living Hub can be visited on the Stockport Council website, while the Resident Advice and Support scheme can be reached at 0161 474 2140.
The council is diligently working to optimize resources and ensure every penny is used effectively. By striving to maximize income collection, the council aims to fund essential services, especially for the most vulnerable members of the community. In the fiscal year 2022/23, Stockport Council achieved the highest in-year Council Tax collection rate in Greater Manchester, successfully collecting 97.47% of the billed Council Tax income. This high collection rate directly translates into more funds available for delivering crucial services and supporting residents during these increasingly difficult and financially challenging times. A mere 1% reduction in the collection rate would result in a significant £2.2 million decrease in income annually, adversely affecting the funding for essential council services and wider public services, such as Fire and Police, that benefit our residents.
The council has implemented the Local Council Tax Support scheme to offer much-needed aid to residents with low incomes. Through this scheme, individuals are supported in meeting their Council Tax obligations, ensuring they are not burdened with the pressure of accumulating debt.
With these comprehensive support services in place, Stockport Council is committed to safeguarding the well-being of its residents, particularly those facing financial hardships, and strives to alleviate their challenges to build a more resilient and supportive community.
