Sefton Council reports best performing Council Tax collection rate across Liverpool City Region

SEFTON Council is thanking the Borough's residents and businesses for their prompt payment of Council Tax and non-domestic rates, making the Borough's collections the highest across the Liverpool City Region. The Council remains committed to collecting all debts, as it pays for facilities and services including to some of the most vulnerable in our communities such as safeguarding children and providing vital support through Adult Social Care provision. Despite the challenging circumstances that the health crisis has created, communities across Sefton have supported the Council in its collections during the last financial year, while the Authority has also offered help to those struggling financially. Sefton Council's Council Tax collection rate stands at 95% and non-domestic rates at 96.4% for the year 2020/21. While both have decreased compared to the previous year as a result of the Pandemic, the reduction is less than the average nationally, and put Sefton top across the Liverpool City Region according to latest figures published by the Government. However, anyone continuing to face hardship is assured that there are solutions and advice available to support those struggling to pay their Council Tax or Business Rates.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, said:- "These high levels of collection will ensure we can continue to deliver vital services Borough-wide, for the residents and businesses paying them, despite the rollercoaster of a year we've all just faced. We will always fulfil our duty to collect fairly what is owed to us through Council Tax and Business Rates and we use that income to offer many valuable services. This remains a key issue for the Council and we will continue to work with our residents to get collections rates and incomes back up to pre-Pandemic levels over the coming months. We do recognise that some people struggle to pay their Council Tax bills. If this is the case, please don't suffer in silence and contact us as early as possible. This is particularly pertinent given the difficulties many have facing job uncertainty and reduced incomes owing to the Pandemic. Help is available, and the earlier people get in touch regarding their debts, the quicker we can assist them."

A wide range of advice and support is available to people facing difficulties paying Council Tax and other household bills. Council staff can put people in touch with organisations providing free, independent financial advice such as Citizens Advice Sefton, Sefton Advice Services, Sefton Credit Union, National Debt Line and the Step Change Debt Charity.

There are also a number of ways that people can reduce their Council Tax liability. These include the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme, for people on a low income and the Exceptional Hardship Fund. And there are several discounts and exemptions, including for people who are sole occupiers.

Similarly, eligible businesses have received Business Rates discounts and holidays during the last financial year, with further automatic discounts already applied in line with Government guidelines for the current year.

Cllr Lappin added:- "Every 1% of Council Tax we collect, results in about ₤1.4m being spent on vital services that support our communities. It makes sense that the more we collect then the more we have to spend in the future."

For more information, including:- help and advice on paying your Council Tax, please call:- 03451400845, or visit:- Sefton.Gov.UK.

Information for businesses can be found on the dedicated support page of the Council's website.

Council Leader

AS further countries announce they are joining the travel green list, millions of keen holidaymakers eagerly anticipate jetting off to a host of non-restricted destinations. While international, green listed travel in the coming months is set to soar, Stewarts, the UK's leading litigation only law firm, provide essential tourism safety advice as the world gradually reopens following the impact of the global Pandemic.

Christopher Deacon, Stewarts' International injury partner, said:- "In the event of a serious injury, the cost of medical treatment and repatriation to the UK can run into several hundred thousand pounds. If you are injured while participating in an activity that your travel insurer will not cover, then you could be left facing a big bill. We have represented many clients who have had to rely on the uncertainty of crowd funding and charitable donations to pay for the cost of medical repatriation to the UK following serious injury, when this can be easily avoided for the relatively small cost of a good travel insurance policy. It's fantastic to see borders reopening, and many of us are excited for a long overdue holiday abroad. At the same time, it's important to be alert and take steps to remain safe as we enter the summer holiday season and once again start to explore international travel."

As the nation prepares for the potential easing of UK lockdown restrictions, on 19 July 2021, what additional steps can holidaymakers take to ensure they are safe during the Pandemic?

Top tips for travel as the world reopens following Covid19:-

Book a regulated package holiday with a reputable tour operator...

Financial protection before passengers even step on the plane is, 1st and foremost, a reason for booking a package holiday which is regulated under the Package Travel Regulations 2018. The Pandemic has put into sharp focus the importance of ensuring money is protected in the event the holiday cannot go ahead, be that Covid19, or if the tour operator goes bust before or during the holiday. By booking a package holiday, holidaymakers have an effective means of redress if things go wrong which form part of the package holiday contract, including in the event of serious injury. This will include pre-booked transfers, accommodation and any pre-booked excursions. The tour operator is responsible for the proper performance of the services which form part of the contract, irrespective of whether those services are provided by another company locally at the holiday destination. This means a claim can be brought against the tour operator in the UK courts upon return home if things go wrong.

Resort transfers...

If private transfer is being arranged, ensure a fully licensed provider is used. This extends to airport Taxis, only use a Taxi which has all the appropriate local permits and licences. Pre-book transfers or research in advance who to use and where to pick up a Taxi at the destination. This will help ensure the Taxi is fully insured in the event of a serious injury.

Arriving at the accommodation/resort...

Become familiar with resort surroundings, including any areas which might be considered:- "high risk" such as the hotel swimming pool. The hospitality and tourism industry have been hit hard by the Pandemic, with many staff on furlough for most of the past 18 months. There may still be a skeleton staff looking out for safety and wellbeing, and the usual maintenance checks may not have been undertaken, so take extra care this summer.

Holiday excursions and activities...

If possible, pre-book any excursions and activities as part of the package holiday. This enables the protection of being able to pursue the tour operator back in the UK should things go wrong. Alternatively, in resort bookings should be fully researched beforehand, particularly for high-risk activities like quad biking, water sports and diving. Check out the credentials of the instructors and do not be afraid to ask about liability insurance. Be wary of signing a disclaimer without being provided with full and informed instruction on the activity being undertaken, or without a full understanding of the risks involved.

If an accident occurs...

Make sure it is fully reported, not only to the service provider but also to the Local Authorities. In many countries, to be able to bring a claim for damages following serious injury, it is a procedural requirement to have obtained a local police report and/or to have a formal medical certificate. This is particularly important following Brexit as any claim for serious injury may need to be pursued in the country where the incident occurred. Be sure to involve an interpreter wherever possible to confirm the accuracy of any documents produced in the local language. Always seek prompt medical attention; if on a package holiday, the tour operator has an obligation to assist in any serious injuries, even if the tour operator may not be at fault. Do not delay in seeking legal advice, very often this will be most helpful while still in resort as a specialist international injury lawyer will be able to provide guidance on the evidence to gather for protection. In these circumstances, it is often best to speak with a lawyer back home rather than a local lawyer, even those local lawyers may appear on the lists provided by the FCDO.

Insurance...

Passengers should make sure they are fully insured, including for any high risk or adventure activities. It is worth taking the time to read the key sections of travel insurance policies before taking it out, particularly those relating to medical expenses.

Use a credit card...

When booking a holiday or any holiday services locally at the chosen destination, use a credit card. For payments over ₤100, passengers will benefit from the additional protections of Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which enables them to bring a claim against a credit card company in the UK, including for compensation following serious injury if all other means of redress fail.

LGA responds to Dame Carol Black report on drugs prevention, treatment and recovery services

RESPONDING to a Government commissioned review by Dame Carol Black on drug misuse and dependence which focuses on prevention, treatment and recovery, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "Councils are absolutely determined to ensure drug users get the right support and treatment, as part of their public health and other wider responsibilities and look forward to working with the Joint Combating Drugs Unit on this shared ambition. This includes helping vulnerable people being given another chance to find work, rebuild relationships, improve their physical and mental health and find safe and secure accommodation. For many drug users, especially the most entrenched, engaging in treatment is the catalyst for getting the help they need to address their physical and mental health problems. Funding for public health services including for drug prevention, treatment and recovery, has not kept pace with demand and Councils want to continue working with Government, local NHS, police, community groups and other partners to ensure everyone gets the support they need wherever possible. As this report states, investing in drug prevention and treatment now will reap benefits for everyone longer term, including for the NHS, criminal justice and other public services. We need a closer, holistic approach which recognises that clinical services alone cannot lead to recovery, but also extra support and opportunities for drug users to gain employment, housing, mental health care and help from other agencies."

Sefton Council reports best performing Council Tax collection rate across Liverpool City Region

Council Leader

LGA responds to Dame Carol Black report on drugs prevention, treatment and recovery services

CBI responds to Government's International Travel Update

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region