PAYMENT dates for council tax and non-domestic rates in Hambleton are to be changed.

Councillors are bringing the dates forward this spring to help them continue to set a low council tax.

Payments will continue to be due in ten instalments, but the instalment dates for all payers will be earlier.

The first instalment will be due on April 1 followed by another nine on the first of each subsequent month, finishing on January 1. No payments will be made in February or March. An optional instalment date of the 15th of every month will be available to direct debit users only.

"Bringing the payment dates forward will improve the council's cash flow, thereby helping us to continue to set one of the lowest council taxes in the country," said Coun Arthur Barker, cabinet spokesman for finance.

He said that this year, council tax in Hambleton was expected to rise by £6 to £62 for people living in a typical Band D property. It will be confirmed by councillors next month.

Anyone having difficulty paying council tax and business rates bills or meeting these new deadlines should contact the council's local taxation section. Call 01609 767074 or visit the Civic Centre in Northallerton.

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, January 16, 2003