North Somerset Council will do “all it can” to help residents who are struggling to pay their council tax bills during the coronavirus pandemic.
Payment holidays, reduced payments and welfare assistance are all available to residents, and the authority will not be chasing payments or sending in the bailiffs over the coming months.
Councillor Ash Cartman, the executive member for finance at North Somerset Council, said: “We would ask all those who are able to continue to pay their monthly instalments to do so.
“Council tax provides a significant proportion of the council’s revenue and enables us to run important local services, many of which are under pressure during this difficult time.
“We are keen to ensure that people who need financial assistance during the coming months are not worrying about their council tax payments
“If you are struggling to pay, contact us and we will do all we can to help.”
Anyone having problems paying should contact the council, preferably online here.
Anyone without internet access can call 01934 888 144, although staff are receiving large numbers of calls and there may be a queue.
Any working age residents who already receive a council tax support discount will see the discount increased by a further £150 for this year.
This will automatically be applied to their account and they will receive a new council tax bill.
Anyone considering claiming Universal Credit either due to loss of income as a result of a reduction in hours or loss of a job, or as self-employed, should advise the Department for Work and Pensions that they also wish to claim council tax support.
Details will automatically be passed to the council to start your Council Tax support claim.
Read more about the council tax support on the council's website.
