Source: Congleton Guardian

http://www.congletonguardian.co.uk/display.var.2216111.0.0.php

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Don't miss out on Council Tax help

RESIDENTS are being urged to come forward if they think they are missing out on Council Tax benefits.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council cabinet member for regeneration, Andrew Hart, is reminding taxpayers if they are having difficulty with their bill the council may be able to help.

Councillor Hart said: "We're very aware that with bills being due from April 1 residents may face a financial strain.

"But if people are having difficulty paying their bill it is very important they don't ignore the problem.

"I'm urging residents to come and speak to us, because we may be able to help.

"If you pay Council Tax, have a low income and your savings and investments are £16,000 or below you may be eligible for Council Tax benefit.

"Also, certain categories of resident such as full-time students and patients resident in hospital, for example, may qualify for a discount."

Nationally, up to 1.4 million eligible older people miss out on Council Tax benefit, resulting in up to £580 million remaining unclaimed each year.

Councillor Gill Heath, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: "We set up a hotline for people to contact the council if they are having difficulty paying their Council Tax.

"Calls to the 0845 605 3011 number have been few, yet we know there are district residents who still have difficulties and haven't contacted us.

"Let me stress that - there are a number of Council taxpayers who are eligible for assistance but do not apply.

"I'm urging people to come forward now - we're here to listen and help if we can."

The district council collected 99.07 per cent of Council Tax by March 31, and in doing so is one of around 20 top performing local tax collection authorities amongst all 354 billing authorities in the country.

It is committed to ensuring those who pay their Council Tax regularly and promptly do not have to pay for those who won't pay.

Councillor Heath said: "We put in a lot of very hard work to ensure our Council Tax collection rates stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best councils in the country.

"In doing so we are able to keep administration costs down, which ultimately means we are able to keep Council Tax bills down.

"It is important that Council Tax is paid regularly and on time to help keep collection costs down for the benefit of all Council Tax payers."

Residents who feel they might be eligible for Council Tax benefits should contact the council via 0845 605 3011, visit www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/missingout, or call in at one-stop shops in Biddulph, Cheadle or Leek to see if they qualify.

2:27pm today
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To claim council tax benefits, residents must phone a 0845 number!

I will be emailing this so called Cabinet Member (jumped up schoolmistress will be nearer the mark no doubt) and her Leader and Chief Executive asking why they have not followed the splendid example set by Mole Valley District Council in banning the use of these ripoff numbers by the Council and pointing her to the other appropriate sources regarding 084/7 call costs.

We await implementation of the decision, but many congratulations are due to all those involved in getting the message across.

Every one that changes makes the next one easier and more likely. It is still a snowball at present, but it is growing and even if it never becomes an avalanche, all those involved in the campaign can take pride in having played a part.