PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed the decision to spread council tax payments over 12 months, rather than 10.

The new right to choose to pay in 12 monthly instalments comes into effect from April. Local taxpayers just need to contact their council to request the change.

Mr Stephenson said: “For the third year running the Government are offering to freeze council tax, which would benefit local people if taken up by Pendle Borough Council.

“Residents in Pendle have already saved £156 on a Band D bill thanks to Conservatives in Government freezing council tax.

“By making it possible for taxpayers to pay over 12 months rather than 10, households will be able to bring down their monthly outgoings and have more control over when they pay their bills.”