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OS Advertiser
PLANNED investments in technology will enable e-billing for council
tax to be implemented for the first time in West Lancashire, it has been
revealed.
The council confirmed the plans following the announcement of government changes set to come into force next year.
Cllr Neil Furey, who welcomed news that people will be able to
spread payments across 12 months, rather than 10, had urged One Connect
Limited to introduce e-billing to make paying council tax easier for
residents. He said: “At present, council tax payers are struggling with
increases in the cost of living and allowing more time to pay will help
people manage their finances. However, I am disappointed that the
Government is going ahead with their plans to cut means-tested council
tax benefit from next April. This will mean that our poorest families
will now have to pay more than before. I also welcome the announcement
that government wants councils to use more electronic billing.
“Collection of council tax in West Lancashire has now been passed to
BT outfit One Connect Limited, and I will be calling on them to provide
improved services for our residents such as electronic billing, more
flexible payment terms and additional dates for Direct Debit payments.”
The council confirmed it will be issuing a full report to members in
July over the changes, and said there would be options for consultation
over how to move forward under the new regime. But it said that, while
12 instalments would be a legal right, the default position would remain
at 10 months and bills would still ask for payments across that period.
A spokesman said: “Planned investments in technology will enable
e-billing to be implemented for the first time in West Lancashire. The
council is not aware of any proposal to introduce additional payment
dates, as this was not part of the government reforms.” |
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