MP appeals for help with householders’ council tax bills
BEXHILL and Battle MP Greg Barker has welcomed the government’s moves to help households bring down their monthly bills by spreading council tax payments over 12 months instead of the present mandatory 10 and is appealing to Rother District Council (RDC) to offer this option.
From April 2013 the new right to choose to pay council tax with 12 monthly instalments comes into effect.
It is claimed that this move will lower average band D council tax instalments by an average £24 a month and will particularly help those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners. There is no obligation to change from 10 to 12 months and householders can continue to pay their council tax in 10 instalments if they wish.
Mr Barker said this latest move to help people with their bills shows that the government are doing all they can to benefit those who need it the most, adding: “Here in Rother council tax more than doubled under Labour.
“Conservatives in government have shown they will do all they can to keep council tax bills down for families and pensioners. For the third year running the government is offering to freeze council tax, which would benefit local people if taken up by Rother District Council.
“By making it possible for taxpayers to pay over 12 months rather than 10, households will be able to bring down their monthly outgoings and have more control over when they pay their bills. I urge any household who would benefit from this change to exercise their new right.”
RDC’s head of finance, Robin Vennard, said the option is available to local residents. “We are aware of the government’s announcement and the option of paying council tax over 12 months is available to our residents.
“The default position will continue to be payment over 10 months, and it should be remembered this means two months of the year are payment free. However, if residents want to change they will need to contact the council by email at counciltax@rother.gov.uk or call 01424 787000.”
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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