Epping Forest District Council has resumed collecting outstanding council tax following a temporary pause during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

As Covid-19 swept the country, recovery of outstanding council tax was suspended for three months – April to the end of June.

New bills have now been issued with new monthly instalments designed to “help customers spread payments over the remainder of the financial year.”

Formal notices have been sent out and recovery action will begin again from August 13.

Councillor Sam Kane, cabinet member for customer and corporate support services, said: “We understand that many people’s financial circumstances may have changed during Covid-19 so it is important to contact us if further help is needed.

“If you have any concerns regarding your repayments please contact our team as soon as possible at recovery@eppingforestdc.gov.uk. Our people can advise on alternative payment methods which may be more appropriate and ensure you are receiving all the financial help you are entitled to in order to minimise your bill.”

Cash payments can now be made using the council’s payment kiosks at Waltham Abbey library and the Broadway Cash Office in Loughton.

A council spokesperson added: “All the reminder letters sent out for council tax arrears show an incorrect account number – the last digit of the 9 digit account number is not showing.

“Please refer to your previous council tax bill for your complete 9 digit account number and use that when making a payment. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

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