THE number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock has risen to 41, a slight increase on the day that the government's nationwide figures showed a turn for the better.

The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the United Kingdom is now 1,408 after 180 more deaths were announced today (Monday, 30 March). The figure marks a drop in the rate of increase from yesterday when 209 died as a result of the Covid-19 strain of coronavirus.

Today's figure marks the first time the daily increase in deaths has fallen for two consecutive days and has dropped from 260 on Saturday, the worst day in the crisis so far.

The Department of Health has so far recorded 22,141 positive Covid-19 cases in Britain.

Meanwhile, in Thurrock, the borough council has announced its latest initiatives to help local people cope with the financial implications of the crisis.

A range of Council Tax support measures

Thurrock has introduced a range of Council Tax support measures to help residents who might be suffering financial hardship as a result of the changes introduced to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Self-employed workers who are waiting for a grant under the government scheme announced last week will be able to defer Council Tax payments until July.

Government grants are not likely to be available until June with payments backdated. Once this grant has been received by self-employed workers, missed Council Tax instalments will need to be paid. Self-employed people who wish to take advantage of this deferral option should email [email protected] advising of their Council Tax reference, name, address and National Insurance number to enable details to be validated with the HMRC.

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Residents waiting for a Council Tax Support Assessment are able to defer making payments towards their current year's Council Tax until their application has been assessed.

The council is reminding residents that Universal Credit claimants are able to apply for a discount of up to 75% on their Council Tax bill. Anyone who makes a new application for Universal Credit should also consider making a claim for Council Tax Support (CTS) here. In order to assist those waiting for a claim for CTS to be assessed, they can opt to withhold payment towards their current Council Tax until their application has been processed and a decision made.

New bills will be issued to claimants of Council Tax Support reflecting a £150 reduction in the bill thanks to money provided to the council through the government's Coronavirus Hardship Relief fund.

The Government has provided funding to the council to offer extra support during the crisis to assist those facing hardship and in receipt of Council Tax Support. The additional award will amount to £150 per household who are in receipt of Council Tax Support, and will be applied directly to the new Council Tax bill to reduce the amount due. The council aims to apply this relief and issue new bills to claimants as soon as possible.

Cllr Shane Hebb, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "We want to make sure that residents get all the help and support they need during this time. These measures will help make sure that Council Tax is not an additional burden on the self-employed and those claiming Universal Credit as the government implements assistance schemes.

"This follows my announcement last week that we have deferred business rates payments and rent payments for businesses and clubs who rent their premises from the council."