council tax bill,

[tali122]

i recieved a full council tax bill, i offered to pay this spread over 12months by direct debit rather than 10(i did not state that i was unable to pay the bill but just to allow extra grace) - but i was told this was not possible once the bill payments for the year had been set and that i would have to fill out a monthly expenses form to just increase intervals by 2 months to 12
is this correct?

[Topsie]

I think different areas councils are different.

I like paying mine over 10 months cos I like the break but I had to change the date last month because my work changed my pay date and when they did this they spread it over the 12 months instead of the 10 ... when i asked just to have it over 10 they said they couldnt do that as i had changed the date.

But other people in different council areas have been able to change the date over the 10 months and some havent been able to change the date at all so I think it depends on the area.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

The reason for this is money!

Councils have to pay for DDs.  They are charged for the set up etc so most opt for 10 month payments.  Wherever possible they will try and discourage people from the 12 month payment.

Personally I would start paying regularly every month and keep to it with the last payment being made in March as planned. 

[tali122]

trouble is that if if you miss or dont stick to agreed payments then the full bill is due- again maybe differing policies with various councils
i only missed one �10 payment and was warned a full bill will be due should this reoccur

[yummymummy]

It does depend which Council you come under.  The whole bill is actually due on 1 April.  The reason it is 10 instalments is so the payments are in by Jan so they know how much money they have before setting the new year's rate in Feb.  If you can show that you can't afford the 10 payments, then you may get 12 but it will depend.