Councils from the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership are calling on residents to set up direct debit payments to pay their council tax, to help reduce any delay in them receiving Government support of £150 to help with rising energy costs.
The one-off payment, which does not need to be repaid, was announced by the Government last month. Households living in a property valued in council tax bands A to D as their main home in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland will be eligible, as well as residents in Band E with a Disabled Band Reduction.
Following the publication of guidance on the support, the Councils are now working to prepare for payments to be made, starting from April.
These payments will be able to go directly into the bank accounts of those who pay by direct debit, whilst those who are not signed up will receive a letter from the Council providing details on how to apply online or over the phone for the £150. Each application for the support will be individually checked and processed by the Council’s finance teams, which could cause delay to payments being made.
Currently around 40% of households in Boston, 34% in East Lindsey and 29% in South Holland, do not pay their council tax by direct debit and face these longer delays. Those wanting to ensure faster payment can still sign up before the end of March, with payment being made after their first direct debit transaction has been paid.
A joint statement from Portfolio Holders for Finance, Councillor Jonathan Noble, Boston Borough Council, Councillor Richard Fry, East Lindsey District Council, and Councillor Peter Coupland, South Holland District Council said: “Our Finance teams across the Partnership are already working hard to make sure the systems are in place to make these vital payments as quickly as possible, and there is no need to contact us at this time.
“Although all eligible households will have the opportunity to apply for the payment, we want to make sure that people receive the money as quickly as possible. The best way that residents can help achieve that is by signing up for direct debit payments as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure the £150 is in your bank account sooner, but also offers the safest and easiest way to pay your council tax every month.”
To set up your council tax by direct debit, please visit your local council’s website:
- mybostonuk.com/council-tax/payyourbill / 01205 314202
- e-lindsey.gov.uk/directdebit / 01507 601111
- sholland.gov.uk/directdebit / 01775 761161.