South Ayrshire Council News

The large number of people across South Ayrshire who have paid their Council tax promptly means that we have exceeded our collection target.

The position at 30 April 2010 is that the collection rate is 10.56% against the target collection of 10.10%, in monetary terms this equals £293,758.

Councillor Robin Reid, Resource and Performance Portfolio Carrier for the Council said: "We have been able to achieve this collection rate thanks to members of the public paying their Council tax promptly, for which we are very grateful.

"Receiving a steady flow of payments helps us to plan and deliver services to the people of South Ayrshire much more efficiently.

"This is a positive start to the financial year and we hope to continue to exceed our collection targets throughout the year."

"We appreciate that many people are facing financial difficulties. To avoid falling behind with payments if you want to pay by direct debit contact council tax staff on 01292 612838."

"If you do find yourself in financial difficulties and are wondering how you are going to pay your Council tax, please come forward and speak to us. One of our employees will be happy to give you advice.

As we changed the first payment date for Council tax to 1 April 2010, bringing South Ayrshire in line with all other Scottish local authorities it means that people are well on track with their payments."

If you are experiencing difficulty in making payment and are experiencing financial problems you can take some steps immediately to help yourself:

• If you require a short term payment plan, please contact Council Tax staff on 01292 612838 or email council.tax@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
• If you are experiencing serious financial difficulties and you wish to speak to a professional Money Advisor for free advice, please contact the Council on 01292 616060 or visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

If your financial circumstances have changed recently and you wish to apply for Council Tax, benefit contacts your local office. You can also email the Benefits team at benefits.services@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

• Ayr 01292 616009
• Prestwick 01292 671666
• Troon 01292 311740
• Maybole 01655 884855
• Girvan 01465 716130

Anyone who would like more information about paying their Council Tax, or any other information on Council Tax can log on to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/counciltax where there is a range of information to assist people including information on:

• Council Tax charges.
• Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
• Pay your Council Tax online.
• 24 hour Council Tax payment line.
• South Ayrshire Debt Helpline.
• Council Tax frequently asked questions.