COUNCIL Tax discount has been welcomed by Flintshire County Council.

Welsh Government in partnership with Welsh Local Authorities and Martin Lewis from MoneySavingExpert.com – the UK’s biggest consumer website, set out to raise awareness of Council Tax discounts for residents, especially those who suffer from severe mental impairments.

Flintshire County Council has welcomed this announcement and is encouraging residents to apply for this discount.

Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of the Council, said: "We are very pleased with the current take-up of our discount schemes, including the discount scheme that goes a long way to help those residents with severe mental impairments.

"Despite the work we have always done to promote take-up, there is always further work that can be done to raise awareness and this initiative helps with that aim."

The Council already supports 527 residents with a reduction in their Council Tax as a result of having a severe mental impairment. 342 residents receive a 25 per cent reduction in their Council Tax and 185 are completed exempt from paying Council Tax.

The continued promotion of this scheme will now help to increase take-up rates even further through a combination of increased public awareness and partnership working with other advice agencies.

Residents who may be entitled to this reduction are encouraged to apply for the discount or seek further advice and support by contacting the Council Tax service on 01352 704848. There is an application form also available at www.flintshire.gov.uk/counciltax

Residents can also contact the service by e-mail at local.taxation@flintshire.gov.uk.