Council encourages residents to sign up for direct debit under new government scheme
North Tyneside Council is encouraging residents to sign up to pay council tax by direct debit following the government council tax refund announcement
The government’s announcement of a one-off payment of £150 for households in tax brackets A-D has prompted council to encourage residents to set up a direct debit.
The one-time payment is to be paid directly into eligible people’s accounts, and North Tyneside Council is aiming to make the first installments of this grant in May 2022 for those who pay council tax by direct debit.
Those who do not pay their council tax by direct debit are invited to make their complaint online, with the municipality intending to write to those concerned when the application process is opened.
Alternatives will be made available for those who cannot apply online or set up direct debit.
Cllr Martin Rankin, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: ‘This scheme is a huge challenge for local councils across the country, with limited government support and limited advice on how to get the payments to residents.
“We deal with around 94,000 households across North Tyneside and making sure all eligible residents receive the money they are entitled to is a huge priority for us and something we want to do well.
“To make the process easier and to ensure that the money goes directly to the bank accounts as soon as possible, we encourage our residents to register to pay their council tax by direct debit.
“It brings a number of benefits and means you will be one of the first to receive this payment.”
The authority has been awarded a grant to provide funding on top of the £150 payment, with information not yet released on additional payment system structures.
Cllr Rankin continued: ‘This money will be a welcome lifeline for many of our residents who are feeling the impact of the rising cost of living, it’s vital we get it right and the money is flowing. to the people of North Tyneside.
“The government must, however, provide us with the support and guidance needed to run this program successfully and ensure that no resident in need of assistance falls through the cracks.
‘We have already seen confusion from residents when the scheme was branded as a council tax refund and have received calls and inquiries from affected people who believe they have missed the cash boost.