Glasgow City Council is reminding residents of the earlier date their council tax is due. The first bill for 2008/09 should now be paid by 1 April 2008.

The first council tax bill is normally due on 28 April. This date has changed and council tax instalments must now be paid on the first of every month - 27 days earlier than usual.

The 10 monthly instalment pattern will continue. The only difference is that monies will be collected at the start of each month.

Residents who do not currently pay by Direct Debit must now ensure that their first payment is received by 1 April 2008.

Those who do pay by Direct Debit are not affected. The date on which they pay - which can be one of a possible five dates during the month - will not change.

Councillor Stephen Curran, Glasgow City Treasurer, said: "It's not too late for residents to set up a direct debit. Paying in this way is the most efficient method of payment. It can also save you a lot of time, and money.

"The council have made it more convenient by offering people a choice of five dates during the month on which they can pay through direct debit - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd or the 28th. You can also pay every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks on a Friday.

"Glasgow has the worst collection rate in Scotland. By bringing the payment date forward we will be able to pursue non-payers earlier, giving us more time to recover unpaid tax before 31st March. This would help us achieve a better in-year collection rate.

"It is important people realise that if, for whatever reason, they won't be able to make the payments by the first of the month, they can choose to keep paying on the 28th by setting up a Direct Debit."

Councillor Curran added: "Council tax is essential in helping to pay for the services Glaswegians expect."

To set up or change to Direct Debit telephone 0845 600 8040 or email counciltax@fs.glasgow.gov.uk

Until now Glasgow remained the only city-based local authority to not collect council tax on the first of the month.  For more information click here