Council tax support available during COVID-19 outbreak

Published: 31 March 2020

Council tax support available during COVID-19 outbreak

Support measures are being put in place by the council for residents who may struggle to pay their council tax as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following queries received today we wanted to clarify that all residents in the borough will receive payment free months in April and May 2020, instead of February and March 2021. No instalments, which includes direct debit payments, will be taken out for these two months.  Payments will resume in June 2020 and will be taken over the 10 months from June 2020 to March 2021. A recalculated bill will be issued in due course, confirming their new instalment dates. Residents do not need to take any further action at this time to benefit from this change. Customers who pay annually can continue to do this.

For those who normally pay by 12 instalments, their payments will be taken as 10 monthly instalments from June 2020 to March 2021. If they wish to set up a different payment plan, we are asking them to contact us by email at localtax@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Residents who wish to continue making payments during this time can still do this.

Working age residents who receive support though the Council Tax Reduction Scheme will also receive a further reduction of up to £150 on their council tax bills. This discount will be automatically applied to eligible residents’ accounts.

Updated guidance on council tax billing has been uploaded to our website. If residents wish to make an amendment to their council tax account or instalment plan, they should email localtax@basingstoke.gov.uk.