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Fees and Charges and Refunds
Published: 04/06/2020
Some Council services have been disrupted during this emergency situation. Some of these services are chargeable – that is people pay a fee or a charge to access and use them. We have had questions about our plans for refunds, and credits, where they might be due.
We have been considering how best to handle refunds and credits. We have had a very busy few weeks coping with the early stages of the emergency situation. Until we have the available workforce to help everyone with important but non-urgent enquiries then we will not be in a position to action refunds and credits straight away.
The following is a guide to our position on some important chargeable services and on Council Tax.
Council Tax
Council Tax pays for our essential services so it is really important that you continue to pay what you should, maintaining your direct debit payments, or payment plan, as detailed on your bill.
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, there is support available. We may be able to extend your payment plan, so check if you are entitled to a Council Tax Reduction or other discounts.
If you find yourself in this situation you can contact our Council Tax team on 01352 704848 or by email at local.taxation@flintshire.gov.uk
Garden Waste
Garden waste collections were suspended from Monday 23rd March. This decision was made so that all available crews could concentrate on collecting black bins, food waste and recycling during the emergency period.
The service will resume from Monday 8th June with collections made fortnightly on the normal collection date.
Residents who had subscribed for the 2020 service prior to its suspension will be offered a £8 reduction in their subscription charge for 2021 in recognition of the withdrawal of collections between March and June. Please appreciate that our Contact Centre is extremely busy at the moment, for example in supporting vulnerable people who are shielding, and that we are not in a position to process requests for an £8 refund for this year.
The subscription rate for the remainder of the year is £24.00 for online payments or £27.00 if the payment is made through the Contact Centre. To subscribe for the 2020 garden waste collection service, you can do it online: www.flintshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste2020 or by calling our Contact Centre on 01352 701234.
Marriage and Civil Ceremonies
In accordance with Welsh Government instructions marriage and civil partnership ceremonies have been suspended. Couples can reschedule their ceremony free of charge and any payments made will be deferred to the rescheduled date. Further information can be obtained by emailing registrars@flintshire.gov.uk
Industrial Units
The Council has agreed the deferral (until June) of rents due as a gesture of support to our industrial/commercial tenants to assist them with potential cash flow difficulties.
If tenants have not been affected, it is really important that you continue to pay what you should, maintaining your payments, or payment plan, as detailed on your rent invoice.
For further information go to https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Business/Land-and-Property/Commercial-Premises.aspx
School Trips/Educational Visits
In accordance with Government instructions schools have closed and school trip within the UK and international destinations have been cancelled in line with UK Government, Welsh Government and FCO guidance.
Parents are advised to contact their school directly for further information and advice.
Planning and Licensing
Advice on planning and licensing matters is available by emailing:
• Planning enquiries - planningadmin@flintshire.gov.uk
• Licensing enquiries - licensing@flintshire.gov.uk
Room Hire
Rooms that have been booked for meetings or activities that cannot go-ahead at this time will be re-booked when services return to normal. For further information please go to ConnectsRoomBookings@flintshire.gov.uk
Other Fees and Charges
Further information can be found by referring to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which can be found on the Flintshire County Council website.
https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Emergency-Planning/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Council-Services-FAQs.aspx
For further help and guidance relating to a specific service area not detailed above then please contact customerservices@flintshire.gov.uk
Please be aware that call volumes are very high and we are experiencing large numbers of emails but will respond as quickly as we can. We appreciate your patience and cooperation at this time.