A LOCAL authority has announced that it will restart council tax recoveries for the first time since lockdown.

Dumfries and Galloway Council made the announcement on Tuesday.

The council is sending out reminder letters to people in arrears during July.

However, it’s appealed for anyone who has difficulty in paying to get in touch.

A spokesman for the council said: “We know the coronavirus situation has and will affect people in different ways.

“Council tax recovery actions were suspended due to the health emergency.

“However, as we begin to ease ourselves out of lockdown, it is now appropriate they restart and we want to offer customers support to ensure they can meet their financial obligations.

“If the coronavirus situation has resulted in reduced income or you are struggling to pay for other reasons we may be able to help.

“Council Tax Reduction is a means tested form of financial support available for customers on a low income and applications can be backdated for up to six months.

“If you are unable to pay your arrears in full you can spread your instalments by direct debit.

Council tax is collected by local authorities to pay for services like refuse collection and street sweeping among others

It is based on property valuation.

Residents can set up a direct debit online or by phoning on 030 33 33 3005 and spread their instalments until March 2021.

To apply for Council Tax Reduction go to its website: https://crowd.in/IH4E8j.