SUPPORT for city residents struggling to pay council tax because of the coronavirus has been made available by the council.

Worcester City Council is encouraging residents who are facing financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 virus to apply council tax support.

Worcester residents also have the option to spread their council tax payments over 12 months instead of the usual ten - as long as you start paying in April.

Working age residents who already receive council tax support will see their council tax bill reduced by up to £150, depending on individual circumstances.

The reduction will be made automatically which means you would not have to do anything, the council said.

Applications for council tax support can be made by visiting www.worcester.gov.uk/council-tax/pay-my-council-tax

To pay your council tax over 12 months instead of the usual ten, email march@southworcestershirerevenues.gov.uk.

Whilst the city council collects council tax, 89 per cent of the money goes to help other organisations such as the county council and emergency services to pay for the running of vital local services – including adult social care, children’s services, police, fire and rescue service and libraries, as well as refuse collection, provision of leisure centres, swimming pools and parks.

For more information contact the council’s Revenue and Benefits team by emailing revenues@southworcestershirerevenues.gov.uk or call 0300 456 0560.

The council has asked residents to be patient as the service has been dealing with a high volume of calls.