Support available for Council Tax debt

As Council Tax reminder letters are being prepared to be sent out, residents facing financial difficulties are being urged to contact the council if unable to make payment. 

The council’s customer contact team can provide advice about payment of a reminder or claiming benefits, and the council’s money advice team can provide more in-depth assistance for those experiencing greater financial difficulties.

At a meeting of Moray Council’s emergency cabinet it was acknowledged that members of the community are suffering in different ways from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and although the council must continue to collect the Council Taxes that helps provide vital services to the community, councillors confirmed that it is genuinely committed to doing so in the most sympathetic way possible.

Following the meeting where the issuing of reminders was approved, Council Leader Graham Leadbitter said:

“For many people there will be significant financial pressure as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. If anyone is having difficulty paying household bills - such as Council Tax – I would urge them to not panic about it or ignore it.

“The Council has a team of expert advisers who can provide advice and support on debt issues, and Citizens Advice also provide good advice where people have single debts.

“In many cases where people are unable to pay there are alternatives such as the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for people with low incomes. There’s also lots of advice about benefit entitlement, which can help to avoid building up a debt problem.

“The important thing is not being afraid to ask for advice as soon as possible. The team are there to provide that support to get you through difficult times.”

If you are unable to meet your payments please email advisors on revenues@moray.gov.uk, and for more general information on what help is available go to the council webs page http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_133282.html