Harlow will benefit from a £1 million hardship fund will provide council tax relief to vulnerable people and households to help those affected most by coronavirus.

Local government secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP has confirmed £1m of the government’s £500m Hardship Fund will go to Harlow.

Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, welcomed ‘the unprecedented support given to businesses, workers and public services’.

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Robert said: “This is an extremely difficult time for our community. Many residents are worried about how they will pay their bills and put food on the table.

“I am working round the clock to ensure that every resident gets all the support possible and this money will go a long way in doing that.

“Further details will be announced imminently, but I would encourage any resident worried about paying their council tax to contact the council to see how this funding can help them.

“As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: Great Britain will overcome the coronavirus and get through this. However, the road ahead is going to be hard for everyone.

“Harlow is a very special place, with extraordinary reserves of kindness and goodwill. It is a place where people look out for one another. We will get through this if everyone follows the advice to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP added: "Providing the necessary financial support to people and families is critical at this difficult time when many people will be concerned about changes to their income.

"That’s why we’re giving local councils an additional £500 million, to ensure help is available for the most vulnerable people in our society who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.

"The government is on your side and will do whatever takes to help."

The hardship fund will support those in receipt of council tax support schemes by reducing their council tax liability for 2020 to 2021.

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