Counting the coronavirus cost - Rochdale Council offers support as households struggle with council tax

Councillor Allen Brett, Leader of Rochdale Council

Help is available for some residents who may be struggling to pay their council tax. 

Council tax bills will be reduced by up to £150 for working age residents who receive local council tax support, in response to the coronavirus crisis. Reduced bills should be issued in early July.

Residents who may be experiencing difficulties paying their council tax should contact the authority.

Rochdale Borough Council leader Allen Brett said: “If you're struggling to pay your monthly council tax, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help. We may be able to create a new payment plan or possibly agree to pause your payments until a later date. We’ll also be able to see if you could qualify for any benefits or schemes."

Call 0300 303 8870 or visit: 

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/counciltax

At a council cabinet meeting last week it was confirmed that £18 million of local council tax support has been given to over 21,500 claimants in the last financial year. 

It was also reported at the cabinet meeting that 94.6% of council tax had been collected in 19/20, 0.1% lower than 18/19.

Councillor Brett added: “Like other authorities, we are also collecting outstanding debt to make sure we can continue to provide valuable front line services, but in terms of enforcement we are targeting residents who won’t pay rather than those who can’t, so if you are worried about your bill or would like some advice, please contact us at the earliest opportunity.”