Councils will be given £500m to help reduce council tax payments for vulnerable people and those most affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The Government has published more details about how councils should allocate the £500m Hardship Fund, which was announced in the Budget.

As well as reducing council tax bills for working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support, the funding can also be used to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people.

Local government secretary, Robert Jenrick, said: '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 £500m, to ensure help is available for the most vulnerable people in our society who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.'