Struggling to pay council tax?

Those who have outstanding payments on their council tax bill and are struggling to pay are being urged to contact SODC to find out what support may be available. An extra £150 of discount is now available to certain residents.

The government hasn’t suspended council tax during the pandemic and so it still needs to be paid.  The council is especially concerned that people could get into further debt if they don’t keep up with their payments and so have written to more than 6,000 households, who aren’t currently in receipt of council tax support, whose accounts are in arrears, advising them on the options that are available and urging them to get in touch.

The council confirms that residents receiving a reduction on their council tax via the councils’ Council Tax Reduction scheme, will receive up to a further £150 off their 2020/21 council tax bill. The extra discount comes from a government hardship fund announced in April.

Anyone who is worried about being able to afford their council tax should get in touch with the council to find out about the help that’s available to best support them.  This can include:

• rescheduling council tax instalments so that they start later or are spread over a longer time;
• applying for council tax support – the council tax reduction scheme can help reduce the amount of council tax people have to pay – visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/ctrs for details;
• making payment, setting up a Debit Debit, or changing payment arrangements online via southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax

To support those who are self-isolating, and to help avoid unnecessary travel and contact, residents are encouraged to pay online.  People can make single payments by credit or debit card when it best suits them.

Alternatively, you can pay by calling the 24/7 automated payment service on 0345 302 2313 – please choose option 1 and option 1 again.  When you call you will need to quote your council tax reference.

More information on the support available to help people pay their council tax can be found on the SODC website.