City of Wolverhampton Council is urging anyone who is struggling to pay their council tax to ‘Talk to Us’ as soon as possible to discuss the available options.
The council is writing to 16,800 households who are in arrears with their council tax urging them to seek help immediately if they are finding it difficult to keep up with payments.
It is launching a new ‘Talk to Us’ campaign on its website and social media channels to encourage people to get in touch.
When people do get in touch, a dedicated team of trained advisors can talk through the available options, which may include:
- checking if someone is entitled to a council tax discount (eg single people, students and carers) or council tax reductions for people on a low income
- choosing the best way to pay
- choosing the best date to pay
- rescheduling payments over an extended payment period
- making a referral for free independent debt advice
With the ongoing effects of the pandemic leading to growing unemployment and rising numbers of people struggling financially, the council has increased the number of advisors in its welfare rights team and is working with partners including the Citizens Advice Bureau and Wolverhampton City Credit Union – a not for profit community bank which offers fair and affordable loans.
Anyone struggling to pay their council tax is urged to visit Council Tax, call 01902 551166 or email council.tax@wolverhampton.gov.uk