Residents are reminded to seek help with paying their Council Tax

Plymouth City Council is reminding residents to seek help with paying their Council Tax as many struggle to pay.

Due to the changes to the benefit system, implemented by the Government as part of their welfare reform agenda, everyone of working age is expected to pay at least 25 per cent of their Council Tax bill. This will affect 16,500 residents in Plymouth.

The Council Tax Support scheme introduced in Plymouth last month protects residents as much as possible. For example savings of up to £6,000 are disregarded when calculating entitlements as are war disablement pensions and disability living allowances. Pensioners are exempt and are not affected by any of the benefit changes.

6,961 reminder letters were issued in April 2013 by the Council to households that had not paid their first instalment.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance said: "I am aware that many customers are experiencing difficulty paying their Council Tax bill and I sympathise with them but this cannot be ignored.

“I strongly advise anyone struggling financially to contact us, we want to help but can only do that if residents talk to us. We have plans in place to make it easier for people to adapt to these changes such as paying over 12 months instead of ten or paying by weekly or fortnightly instalments. We also have a hardship fund set up for those in extreme financial difficulty.

“Taking money away from vulnerable people is not something I agree with and I personally believe the Government has pushed us all into a corner. The only thing we can do now as a Council is try and soften the blow and support our residents as best we can.

“Charges will soon be applied to accounts where payments have been missed, however if accounts are brought up to date with us these charges will be waived. This is why it is important for people to contact us early.”

To help support people through the changes around 40 support organisations including Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community Homes and Devon and Cornwall Housing will be hosting a Family Advice and Support Day on Thursday 6 June.

The ‘Every Penny Counts’ event, which will be held at Frankfort Gate from 10am to 5pm, will provide useful information about managing finances, changes in benefit payments, debt advice, as well as training and employment opportunities for those who are looking for a job.

Anyone experiencing problems paying are advised to contact the Council by calling 01752 668000 to discuss alternative payment arrangements.

Residents can find out more information about the changes to Council Tax and how to pay by visiting www.plymouth.gov.uk/welfarereform.