Council Tax statements are now arriving on Southwark doormats.

The good news is that ther is no rise – for the fifth year in a row.  For the last two years this is due to coalition government incentives of extra cash to councils that don’t increase their bills. The previous three years were due to the council being Lib Dem led.

The coalition government has also changed legislation so instead of up to 10 monthly payments a year you can now pay over all 12 months in the year. How bizarre was that – 10 months. Residents can now pay over the whole 12 months.

To pay over 12months call 020 7525 1850 option 4. They will aut0matically send a new statement whether you wont one or not. (I’ve contacted the head of service asking why that is and couldn’t we save money by making this optional). They asked for a phone number but not an email address. How silly is that?

Sadly the statements are posted out. Which for 110,000 homes even using 2nd class franked mail is a whopping £34,100 without printing and stuffing, etc costs.

Southwark hasn’t yet joined the internet age as utilities have emailing statements out or allowing those on direct debit to view online without paper copies.  A nudge has been submitted.