City of York Council is introducing new ways to remind residents about missed or late council tax payments from this month (October).
Residents who are behind on payments may receive additional reminders by text, email or voice message.
These messages will allow payments to be made immediately, including through Open Banking.
The reminders will also provide details of available support and encourage residents to contact the council if they need help.
They will be sent only if the council holds the resident’s contact details and are in addition to formal reminders, which will still be posted if payment is not received.
Councillor Katie Lomas, executive member for finance at City of York Council, said: “Managing council tax payments online and by direct debit are the best ways of keeping up to date but we know that sometimes someone will fall behind with payments.
“Using reminder messages for council tax payments helps residents avoid missed deadlines, extra penalty fees, formal recovery action and know where to get help, if you need it.”
Residents can update their contact details, manage payments and set up direct debits through an online council tax account.
Those struggling to pay can seek help from local organisations such as Citizens Advice.