We appreciate this has been a difficult time for many of our residents and that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on households and the economy.
Your Council Tax pays for our essential services that are delivered to all Medway residents.
If your circumstances have not changed it’s important that you continue to pay your Council Tax instalments, as detailed on your bill. Please maintain your current year direct debit payments plus any payment plans you have for arrears where you can.
Your financial circumstances may have changed since you received your Council Tax bill, making it difficult to pay your instalments. You’ll find sources of help, support and guidance below:
Claim all the benefits you’re entitled to
You might be able to increase your income by claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to. This extra income could help pay your bills.
Benefits from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions)
Working age households can claim Universal Credit from the DWP, new style Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
For State Pension age households you may be entitled to Pension Credit.
Find details of all benefits on GOV.UK.
Benefits from the council
From the council you can claim:
- Council Tax Reduction: if you’re eligible you could reduce your bill by up to 65%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are self-employed, unemployed or working
- Housing Benefit: this can be paid to certain types of household
- Discretionary Housing Payment: if you’re suffering extreme hardship and you receive Housing Benefit or housing costs within Universal Credit
- Test and Trace Support Payment: if you’ve been told to self-isolate, you are on a low income, are unable to work from home and will lose income.
How we are recovering arrears
Enforcement agents are highly trained. They can deal with a range of circumstances including vulnerability and financial difficulties. You must respond to any contact you receive.
They may contact you by:
- text
- letter
- visiting your home.
Struggling to pay your Council Tax
If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax you can:
- extend your current year instalments to March 2022
- arrange to pay arrears from previous years alongside your current year instalments
- request short-term discretionary relief. We'll consider each application on its own merits, contact us to discuss this option
- get free, confidential, independent debt advice.
If you need to contact us email ctax@medway.gov.uk to explain your circumstances, quoting your payment reference number (as shown on your Council Tax bill) in the subject line of your email. This will help us to deal with your enquiry more efficiently.