RESIDENTS in the Torridge district will see a number of changes to council tax in the new financial year.

The biggest move affecting residents throughout the district will be the chance to pay by 12 monthly instalments from April 1 2013 instead of the normal ten.

The move is being introduced in an effort to reduce the strain on tight monthly budgets for many households in the area.

To try and reduce recovery action taken for late payers, the council is now offering an additional three payment dates each month. Residents can opt to pay on the 7th, 21st or 28th day of each month, as well as the two dates currently offered, which are the 1st and 15th.

Deputy leader of the council Roger Johnson said: 'With the changes being forced upon us from April, where almost everyone will have to pay a minimum of 25% of their council tax, I hope the measures being introduced will help ease the council tax burden for those households affected.

'But anyone can take advantage of these 12 monthly payments now and you can change the date you pay to suit your own personal budget. Just let us know.'

The council's community and resources committee has also approved a number of other changes to council tax.

Empty and unfurnished properties undergoing structural or major repairs will have a 100% discount for the first year, and a 0% discount thereafter. Empty and unfurnished properties, including new properties, will get a 100% discount for the first three months, and 0% thereafter.

Long term empty properties unoccupied for more than two years will have the maximum empty homes premium of 150% applied to them. There will be 0% discount for second homes.

To change the way you pay your council tax, contact the Torridge tax team on 01237 428900 or email [email protected]">[email protected]