COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT

Hundreds of people have been in touch with Erewash Borough Council asking to change their Council Tax payment method due to the difficulties faced with the coronavirus lockdown. Nearly 600 taxpayers have so far asked for help and want to take advantage of the flexible payment plans being offered by the council in these difficult times. Residents can ask to delay their payments until June, while it is also possible to apply to pay weekly, fortnightly or half-yearly. Instalments can also be stretched over 12 months rather than the usual 10. Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says:

“We are here to offer what support we can and we hope these payment options will help those residents who may be struggling. Our team is working hard to process all the applications so residents can have their requests in place as quickly as possible.”

In addition approximately 4,500 people registered on the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) in Erewash will each receive up to £150 towards their payments through government funding that was released to all local authorities to help those in need. People registered on CTS will be contacted direct by the council to confirm additional support. CTS helps households of working age with low income, whether in work, unemployed or retired. The council is urging residents to register for a My Erewash account via its website where they will find full information and relevant online forms – including one to apply for CTS and a form to delay payments called ‘Council Tax - Delay Recovery Request’.