While the council awaits details of Central Government’s commitment to help the most economically vulnerable households, it has unveiled measures to ease the financial pressure in what is a worrying time for many people.
As of today, the council has implemented the following measures to provide reassurance and offer flexibility to struggling households:
- A suspension of court action for recovery of council tax.
- A commitment to negotiate repayment plans with customers and/or suspend enforcement action where necessary.
Councillor Louise Miles, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “These are unprecedented times and we know people are worried about how they will pay the bills if their income drops. We wanted to make it clear that the council stands ready to support people through the uncertainty.
“People will still need to pay their council tax bills in full, but this announcement is about providing flexibility if you need it and identifying financial advice you may need.
“We want people to contact us if they face difficulty paying so that we can talk through their individual circumstances, so please work with us to let us help you.”
Meanwhile, anyone struggling to pay their bills are encouraged to see if they might be eligible for either council tax support or a discretionary housing payment.
Council tax support can help towards the cost of your council tax if you are on a low income. More information is available from Council Tax Support Scheme.
A discretionary housing payment is a financial award, paid at the discretion of the council, to help people who are unable to pay their rent. To be eligible for a payment, you must receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. More information on the discretionary housing payment is available from Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
People are also encouraged to check whether they are entitled to a discount or exemption on their council tax – for example single households, care providers and full time students. For more information please visit How can I reduce my council tax bill.
Anyone wishing to contact the council to discuss their circumstances around the payment of council tax should call 01902 551166 or email council.tax@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
For more information on City of Wolverhampton Council’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and what to do if you need support, visit Coronavirus advice and information.
