Thousands of Council Tax bills on their way

MORE than 110,000 Council Tax bills are on their way to Swansea residents as the local authority prepares to collect vital funds for local services.

This year Swansea Council is freezing the Council Tax it sets, offering easy ways to pay and helping people claim benefit entitlements to help settle their bills on time.

Cllr Stuart Rice, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "Council Tax makes an important contribution to paying for the vital services we all need such as education, bin collections, social services and maintaining our streets and communities.

"The freeze on Council Tax set by Swansea Council will help families at a time when household bills are increasing and their income may be reducing.

"We also want to make it as easy as possible for people to pay their Council Tax and the range of payment methods available mean people can do that with minimum inconvenience."

He added: "Those who face financial difficulties in paying should contact the Council on 01792 635382 sooner rather than later to seek support before they fall into arrears.

"But the message to those who are avoiding payment is we will continue to pursue non-payers for as long as it takes because this income is vital for services."

Most homes are subject to the Council Tax. Council Tax bills consist of a charge set by Swansea Council plus a charge set by South Wales Police. Areas with Community Councils have an additional precept to pay and this amount is set by the Community Council.

Swansea Council's charge remains at last year's level of £990.91 for a Band D property.

South Wales Police have raised their precept from £161.35 for a Band D property to £169.42.

That means the total bill for a Band D property not in a Community Council area is £1,160.33.

In areas with Community Councils the Band D bills vary from £1,169.78 in Ilston to £1,210.45 in Mawr.

The most convenient method of payment is by direct debit and those who have not already set this up and want to pay this way should contact 01792 635382.

Residents can pay their Council Tax through the Swansea Council website at www.swansea.gov.uk by following the Pay for It link under Do it Online on the front page.

Payment can also be made by using a debit or credit card by automated telephone payment on 0845 3052199

Residents can pay by cash, cheque, postal order, debit or credit card in person at the Civic Centre's Contact Centre or District Housing Offices in Swansea.

It can be paid at any post office or Payzone outlet using a payment card which can be obtained by calling 01792 635382.

It is also possible to post cheque or postal order payments to the Finance Department at the Civic Centre in Swansea. Instructions are on the bill.

Anyone wanting information or help to see if they can claim Council Tax benefit to reduce their bills should contact the take-up team on 01792 635885.

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This page last updated on March 13 2012