D-day looms for unpaid council tax

COUNCILLOR Abdul Jabbar: get in touch if you can’t pay council tax

Court threat non-payers
THOUSANDS of Oldham’s poorest residents have less than a week to contact Oldham Council over their unpaid council tax bill — or face the threat of court.

The local authority has issued 5,292 reminders to households affected by council tax benefit changes, urging them to ask for help before next Thursday — or receive asummons.

The council’s finance chief Councillor Abdul Jabbar, said support is within easy reach and methods of payment can be discussed before the council takes the “extreme” route of court.

Around 16,800 Oldham working-age residents were hit with a benefit bombshell last month when the Government scrapped the national council tax benefit scheme.

Those who received 100 per cent council tax benefit now pay up to 25 per cent towards their council tax — in some case £250 for the year.

The latest reminder is the fourth direct contact by the council since February to residents outlining the changes

Councillor Jabbar said: “We want to give people the opportunity to contact us. We can offer them support and show that we offer flexibility with payments.

“I am completely sympathetic with the circumstances that have been placed on a large number of our residents.

“FThey must contact us and we will try our best to help.”

Residents who don’t get in touch about their inability to pay could end up paying even more — a summons will be served with costs of £75, which will be added to the unpaid tax.

A series of events begin next week to encourage the setting up of payment arrangement.

These are at:
Tuesday, May 7: Alexandra Children’s Centre, Wildmoor Avenue, Holts (9am-noon); Crompton Library, Farrow Street East, Shaw (2-5pm); South Chadderton Youth Centre, Lancaster Street, Chadderton (2-5pm).

Wednesday, May 8: Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham (9am-noon); East Oldham District Town Hall, Holt Street, Oldham (2pm-5pm).

Thursday, May 9: Limehurst Library, St Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst (9am-noon); Coldhurst Children’s Centre, within Richmond Primary School, Winterbottom Street, Oldham (2-5pm).

Take bank details if setting up a direct debit, or two forms of ID featuring your name, address and signature if setting up a “jam jar” account to save money towards the bill. Take the council tax bill or reminder too.