MEASURES to help residents and businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak has been announced by Durham County Council.

The authority will postpone debt recovery action for anyone in council tax or business rates arrears and extra resources have been ploughed into its welfare assistance scheme to support people in difficulty.

Residents are encouraged to seek financial assistance through the authority’s council tax reduction scheme, the only one in the North-East offering reductions of up to 100 per cent. Flexible payment plans, including the ability to spread the cost of council tax evenly over 12 months or starting payments from June instead of April, are also offered. For details or support visit durham.gov.uk/counciltax or email the council’s customer services team on help@durham.gov.uk

This follows national announcements of a range of financial measures designed to support businesses and residents including offering a three-month mortgage holiday for those in need, reimbursing small and medium-sized companies for the cost of statutory sick pay, supplying vouchers for children who get free school meals when schools close, and free childcare for two, three and four-year-olds.

The government also announced £1 billion to support vulnerable people across the country, half of which will be ploughed into the welfare system and the rest in the creation of a new hardship fund for local authorities; and £3.2m in emergency funding across the country to help rough sleepers isolate.

The council’s postponement of debt recovery action applies until further notice.

Paul Darby, the council’s head of finance and transactional services, said: “We appreciate that this is a really difficult time for everyone but especially the most vulnerable members of our society and those who are struggling financially.

“That is why we have taken the decision to postpone debt recovery action in most cases that we deal with – and this will include anyone facing action in relation to council tax and business rates.

“We’d also like to thank residents who are able to continue paying council tax despite the difficult times we find ourselves in – their contribution is helping us maintain essential services.

“We are awaiting further detail of the various financial measures announced by the government, following which will be implementing them across the county as quickly we can to ensure the benefits are felt by our residents.”

The council has set up a webpage with advice for residents on the support available during the outbreak, which covers welfare, finances, housing and school closures at durham.gov.uk/article/22971/Support-for-residents

Customer Access Points are operational and should be called on 03000-260000 rather than visiting where possible. Details of these can be found at durham.gov.uk/customeraccesspoints

And the council’s One Point hubs and Family Centres remain open to provide advice, guidance and signposting on a one-to-one basis, although residents are advised to phone them during opening hours on 03000-261111 rather than visiting where possible.

However in line with government guidance around social distancing, all group-based family activities in community venues and family centres have been cancelled for the time being.

This includes baby clinics, breastfeeding groups, early learning groups, parenting support programmes and sensory play sessions.

Martyn Stenton, the council’s head of early help and inclusion and vulnerable children, said: “We understand this is a worrying time for everyone and we are doing all we can to provide services families while ensuring we protect the health and safety of our staff. We will strive to make sure that families can still access help, advice and guidance at this difficult time.”