Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 26 March 2002 For Use: Immediately

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Council Tax Bills Issued

Council Tax bills for the financial year 2002/2003 have now been sent out to all households in the Western Isles.

A change in legislation has resulted in payment dates being brought forward so that instalments are payable from April to January with no payments being due in February and March 2003.

Bringing forward the payment date improves cash flow for the Comhairle and helps to keep increases in Council Tax down.

The Comhairle’s band D Council Tax has been set at £815 and is the second lowest in Scotland with only Shetland being lower at £810.

Council Tax payers who have in the past used payment books to pay their instalments will be issued with plastic cards instead for use at any Post Office. For this year only, payments will be due from May to February.

The Comhairle prefers payments to be made by Direct Debit. This is the most effective way of paying bills and saves the Council Tax payer and the Council money. Once set up no further action is required by the Council Tax payer other than to ensure that they have sufficient funds in their bank account to meet the payment. Anyone not paying by Direct Debit, but who wishes to do so, should complete the instruction which was enclosed with their bill and return it to the Council Tax office at the Comhairle as soon as possible. Where new Direct Debit instructions are received before 24 April 2002 instalments will still be spread over 10 months.

Payments may also be made using the internet by logging on to Girobank BillPay - further information can be obtained at

www.cne-siar/ionmhas/billpay.htm.

Enquiries about Council Tax bills and payments can be made to the Council Tax Offices at Sandwick Road, Stornoway HS1 2BW (phone 01851 709567) or Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA (phone 01870 602425 ext. 857) or by e-mail to counciltax@cne-siar.gov.uk

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk