Changes in council tax payments to 'ease the burden' for Bideford and Torridge residents

Council tax payers in Bideford and throughout the Torridge area will have the right to pay by 12 monthly instalments from April 1st, 2013 instead of the normal ten, following changes introduced by Torridge District Council.

Residents can also opt to pay on the 7th, 21st or 28th of each month now, as well as the two dates currently offered which are the 1st and 15th.

Deputy leader of the council Roger Johnson said, 'With the changes being forced upon us from April where everyone of working age will have to pay a minimum of 25% of their council tax, I hope the measures being introduced will help ease the council tax burden for those households affected. But anyone can take advantage of these 12 monthly payments now and you can change the date you pay to suit your own personal budget. Just let us know.'

A number of other changes to council tax are also being introduced, after the Community and Resources Committee approved the following proposals:

•Empty and unfurnished properties that require or are undergoing structural or major repairs –100% discount for first 12 months and 0% discount thereafter 

•Empty and unfurnished properties, including new properties –100% discount for the first 3 months and 0% discount thereafter 

•Long Term Empty Properties (empty and unoccupied more than 2 years) – the maximum Empty Homes premium of 150% will be applied 

•Second Homes – 0% discount awarded 

To change the way you pay your council tax, please contact the Council Tax team at Torridge on 01237 428900 or email: council.tax@torridge.gov.uk