WREXHAM Council have today announced that they will offer a ‘sympathetic and flexible approach to council tax over the next three months’ for those affected by coronavirus.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of the council, acknowledged that the pandemic is “a worrying time for many people” in the latest update on how WCBC are managing services throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

He said: “The impact of COVID-19 on jobs and businesses is clear, and we know this is a worrying time for many people, not just in terms of health but financially too.

“Tax plays a vital part in keeping crucial services running in communities across the UK, but we know that many people will struggle to pay their council tax in the current situation.

“So, for those people financially affected by the virus, we are offering a sympathetic and flexible approach to council tax over the next three months.”

The council acknowledges that recent events have put some people in a position where they can’t make their normal payments.

The statement from Cllr Pritchard said: “The Government hasn’t directed councils to provide a mandatory ‘payment holiday’ on council tax, but we appreciate these are exceptional times, and will work with customers to help ease any financial difficulties.

“We will make sure no recovery action is taken against households who have been financially affected by coronavirus and cannot afford their council tax payments over the next three months.

“This will give those customers time to look into any financial help they are entitled to – including council tax benefit.”

Cllr Pritchard said he hopes this helps those households who are facing real financial hardship.

He added: “If you can pay, please continue to pay as normal. This will help us maintain vital services during this emergency.”

The council leader also reinforced the need to follow the Government’s instructions and how it was important to continue to practice social distancing to halt the spread of the virus.

He said: “By staying apart, we are saving lives, and helping to keep Wrexham as safe as it can be.”

Other key reminders shared today, March 27, include where children who are entitled to free school meals can collect ‘grab and go’ packed lunches from one of 10 sites across the county.

The full list of locations are as follows:

• Caia Park Estates office

• Plas Madoc Estates office

• Broughton Estates office

• Gwersyllt Estates office

• Rhos Estates office (Stiwt)

• Memo Hall Wrexham

• Plas Pentwyn Coedpoeth

• Llay Resource Centre

• Overton Library (Cocoa Rooms)

• Ysgol Y Waen Chirk

The council have also suspended the introduction of the new garden waste collection scheme, and will continue to collect garden waste for free for as long as possible during the pandemic.