Council tax
We are aware there has been some confusion over council tax and whether people still need to pay it. If you are experiencing difficulties and are worried you cannot make your payments, the Council is able to offer support and advice.
Please be aware that the council tax telephone line (0300 123 7022) is currently suspended so if you need advice or assistance you should contact the council tax team through our website or email. Enquires to the mailbox are currently very high. We appreciate this may be frustrating for you and apologise for any distress this may cause.
Council tax is a local tax that raises essential revenue for the Council. In this emergency situation the council tax you pay is helping to fund the essential services we must continue to provide to support people and communities. It is important that if your circumstances have not changed that you continue to pay what you should, maintain your direct debit payments, or payment plan, as detailed on your bill. The Council has prioritised essential services where they protect life, protect the vulnerable, ensure public safety, keep the transport infrastructure open and help key workers to do their jobs.
If you feel you are unable to make any scheduled instalments please contact the council tax team via email and provide details of your circumstances. Cases will be reviewed on case by case basis to establish what help can be offered and the appropriate advise given. The Council is also offering a new alternative payment schedule if you are struggling to pay:
- Instalments from July 2020 to March 2021
Request alternative payment schedule
Deferring your payment schedule to July 2020 - March 2021 means that you will only have nine instalments and therefore the amount of each monthly payment will be higher than on the bill previously sent to you.
Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme
The HELP scheme is a discretionary scheme offering local welfare assistance including:
- support for exceptional needs
- limited payments for emergency funding in a crisis
- to help people moving out of care.
More information
Council Tax Reduction (CTR)
The existing CTR Scheme is still the main source of council tax reduction. This is a means tested benefit based on income and capital.
Universal Credit
For details on how to make a claim for Universal Credit:
Universal Credit
Other contacts
There are lots of agencies that offer advice on managing money, budgeting and debt management. It is important that people who need help seek it from reputable organisations who offer free and impartial advice.
Citizens Advice
Money Advice Service
National Debtline
StepChange