TEESSIDERS struggling to afford their council tax bills because of coronavirus could pay nothing until June under plans offered up by councils.

Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Council have all confirmed they have procedures in place to defer payments until the summer.

Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Council, confirmed that the authority was “doing all it could” to help those struggling due to covid-19.

The Labour leader said: “We may be able to postpone the start of your regular 10 monthly payments to June – or spread your payments over 12 months instead of 10.

“Or it may be that you qualify for council tax support. We will explore all possible options with you.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Tony Riordan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he believed the deferral offer was “the correct compromise”

The member for Norton West said: “If they deferred fully for two months, there would be cash flow problems.

“Like any business, the council still needs to pay people’s wages and contractors. If you stop the cash flow, you end up with hardship later down the line.”

Tony Parkinson, chief executive of Middlesbrough Council, has confirmed the authority would change the payment of 10-month direct debits for council tax – with no money taken in April or May this year.

In a question and answer session on social media, the top officer also addressed pleas for council tax to be suspended.

Mr Parkinson said: “When there is no covid-19, we still deliver a range of services which touch on every aspect of people’s lives and we’ve got to maintain those services.

“We have to collect council tax so we can maintain those services.

“We can’t just suspend council tax – we literally would not have the money to operate if we did that.”

Other support is also being offered by all authorities in the region through council tax support and hardship funds.

Redcar and Cleveland Council also confirmed it had measures in place to defer paying tax bills.

Cllr Glyn Nightingale, cabinet member for resources, said: “If you have been financially affected by coronavirus, we may be able to help with alternative payment arrangements for your council tax instalments or discuss welfare assistance with you.

“You can find information about council tax assistance available and how to request a change to your monthly instalments online at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

“You would need to set up a council tax online account and have access to a copy of your council tax bill so that you can enter your council tax number.

“If you are unable to do it online, you can call us on 01642 774774 – but we ask for your patience as we are experiencing high call volumes.”

To seek help in Stockton, email tax.support@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 397108.

For advice on council tax in Middlesbrough, go to: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/benefits-and-council-tax/council-tax