Earlier this week many councillors from all groups including myself raised concerns that April’s council tax and business rate payments would not be possible for some residents. Today the Council confirms on council tax:

• You can call and arrange to run payments over 12 instead of 10 months if you don’t already do this.
• Alternatively you can ask to only start making payments from June instead of April.
• If you cannot pay at all contact the council or visit: www.durham.gov.uk/counciltax or email help@durham.gov.uk

The council has now cancelled all debt recovery action until further notice.

A new webpage showing all means the Council can help you with can be found at:

Www.durham.gov.uk/article/22971/Support-for-residents

Please only contact the council if you really have to so those in most need can get through.