A free service to help residents pay their Council Tax bill if they are struggling financially has been launched by Swindon Borough Council.
First Steps is a new service that offers non-judgemental and supportive advice, providing residents with help to overcome any difficulties they have which may affect their ability to pay their tax bills.
The scheme, which is being run in partnership with Liberata, can also help residents manage and pay any outstanding Council Tax debt. This should help to avoid debt recovery action, and further costs arising from visits by enforcement agents.
First Steps work with individuals to create manageable payment arrangements that fit their circumstances. Advisers can also provide guidance on the support available and make referrals to partner organisations, such as Citizens Advice.
The Council is actively identifying residents across the Borough who might need support and is connecting with them directly. Residents are contacted by phone calls, letters and emails, which explain the support available through the scheme and how to access it. So far, more than 80 residents have been contacted for support.
However, residents can also request support themselves.
Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We recognise that there are many in our communities that are struggling with financial pressures at the moment.
Making sure that your Council Tax bill is paid, is just one of them, with this in mind, Swindon Borough Council has a dedicated team, who will help those in difficulty and can offer step by step advice to help people to take control of their finances and ease the pressure during difficult times.
Their approach is empathetic, personalised, and focuses on finding solutions that work for the individual. They are committed to reducing the stress and burden of council tax debt while helping to access a broader network of support if needed. If you are facing any of these financial pressure please contact them now.”
Residents can contact First Steps via e-mail at Firststeps.Swindon@liberata.com or by calling 01275 885082.