A CITY-WIDE suspension of council tax payments for a number of months will not be offered to everyone by the council but support continues to be made available to those struggling to pay during the coronavirus pandemic.

Worcester City Council said it would not consider a council tax 'holiday' whilst the coronavirus pandemic intensifies but residents struggling still have several other options available to them.

City residents desperately struggling to pay council tax bills can call the council to discuss other options including spreading the payments over a year rather than the usual ten months as well as reductions.

Councils across the country are being given extra money by the government’s Covid-19 hardship fund, designed to see struggling people through the coronavirus period.

A spokesman for the council said: “Worcester City Council is one of the few local authorities in the country to offer a 100 per cent discount to low income households.

"Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows that 80 per cent of councils require all residents to pay at least 20 per cent of their council tax bill.

“If you are of working age and you already qualify for council tax support you will see your tax bill will see a one-off reduction of up to £150 for the current financial year, to assist with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. A new bill will be issued to you shortly.

“If you think you may qualify for a discount on your council tax bill, you can apply by visting www.worcester.gov.uk/coronavirus.

"You can also arrange to reduce the size of your monthly payment by applying for your council tax payments to be spread over 12 months, instead of the usual ten. Anyone who has difficulty paying their council tax can call us on 03004 560560 to discuss payment arrangements.”