Council 'lifeline' continues for residents struggling amid cost of living crisis

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) provides financial support to around 3,250 of the most disadvantaged working-age residents by helping them meet their council tax liabilities and allows about 2,000 of those experiencing the greatest hardship to not pay any council tax at all.

Since it was first introduced in 2022/23, the CTRS has been instrumental in helping residents cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis, alongside a raft of other council initiatives offering support.

Councillor Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: "Many households still face significant financial challenges due to the cost of living crisis and we remain committed to helping our most vulnerable residents when their finances are stretched to breaking point."

"The CTRS is a lifeline for many people who are suffering extreme hardship, and I am pleased that Cabinet colleagues agreed today that we should continue with this vital support next year."

Cabinet councillors also recommended continuing with the Exceptional Hardship Payments Scheme in 2025/26. This scheme provides additional support to those who are most in need.

The CTRS and the Exceptional Hardship Payments Scheme are just two of the ways in which Lewes District Council is supporting residents through the cost of living crisis. 

Councillor Robinson added: "We are doing everything we can to help residents who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising costs and colder weather."

Full Council will consider adopting Cabinet's recommendation at its next meeting.

More ways to receive our news

• Keep me posted. Sign up to receive news and alerts from Lewes council by email
• Read District News - our council newspaper
• Our Social media