LOCAL residents falling on hard times as a result of the coronavirus emergency will get help with council tax if they need it.

It is expected many thousands of people locally will suffer a reduction in their income or lose their jobs as Inverclyde faces months of uncertainty due to the lockdown.

Now Inverclyde Council has moved to reassure people they will help in whatever way they can as the crisis starts to take hold.

Assistance will only be provided to people whose incomes have been affected, with normal payment rules applying for everyone else.

Councillor Stephen McCabe said: "I would expect those on full pay and those who can afford it to pay in full.

"I will continue to pay mine.

"But we will be helping wherever we can.

"There are also talks being held at a national level about how to help."

Inverclyde Council collects around £30 million in council tax each year but is now expecting collection rates to fall this year due to the unprecedented circumstances we are facing.

A three per cent increase is set come into force this month, introduced as part of the March budget to balance the books.

Now the local authority will look at extensions, as well as suspending follow-up reminders and summary warrants.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “The council is happy to discuss arrangements for council tax payment extensions and will be sympathetic to any reasonable request in light of the economic impact of the Covid-19 public health emergency.

“Those whose financial circumstances have been affected can apply for a council tax reduction.

“We are also suspending council tax follow-up reminders and summary warrants.

“Council tax arrangements will be kept under review due to the fast-changing nature of the coronavirus emergency.”