A COUNCIL has urged residents who may struggle to pay their council tax or business rates to contact them.

The council tax bills for April 2017 have just been issued, which give details of the amount owing and the dates the payments are due by.

Hambleton District Council says for most households the bills are not a problem, but every year they receive lots of enquiries from people finding it hard to pay their bill.

“Whilst we have a legal obligation to collect tax, we also want to help find solutions for those struggling to pay,” said Councillor Peter Wilkinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance.

“We urge those residents to contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to try and resolve the problem. We may be able to come to an arrangement that they can afford.

“Keeping on top of payments will avoid reminders and summons which will also avoid extra costs.”

Anyone who may have difficulty paying, or who already has arrears from previous years, should contact the local authority on 01609-779977 or email quoting their account number to info@hambleton.gov.uk or call in to one of the council offices in Northallerton, Easingwold or Stokesley.