Christmas can be an expensive time of year
with food, presents and parties to be paid for - but Peterborough
City Council is reminding residents not to forget their council tax
payments.
With all the planning and organisation that
goes into a perfect festive season it's easy to overlook bills and
payments, especially if money is tight. Missing just one council
tax payment could lead to a bigger expense - a bill for the full
outstanding amount.
The city council is urging residents not to
struggle in silence, but to get in touch and find out what help is
available for those who are eligible.
Councillor David Seaton, the city council's
cabinet member for resources, said: "We understand that this time
of year can be financially difficult but I would advise people who
are having problems making their council tax payments to talk to
the council.
"If people are struggling to make payments
then they shouldn't ignore the problem. A council tax debt doesn't
get wiped off at the end of the financial year. The council will
take whatever action is necessary to claim the debt, and will
continue to pursue persistent non-payers until the debt is repaid.
This could result in bankruptcy, the involvement of bailiffs or
even prison."
Shirley Pleszkan, the city council's head of
shared transactional services, said: "I would encourage people to
get in touch with us if they are having problems making their
council tax payments as we will help where we can. Help is
available and in some cases there may be benefits that people are
entitled to claim. Our message is talk to us - don't get in
trouble.
"One simple way of ensuring you don't forget
to make a payment is to set up a direct debit. At the moment, 62
per cent of Peterborough council tax payers pay their council tax
by direct debit which is more cost effective for the council."
For more information on setting up a direct
debit or to find out what help is available please call (01733)
452258.