Text message reminder service

How it works

To help us reduce the amount of paper we use, we've introduced a text messaging service to let you know you've forgotten to pay your Council Tax. We're starting this confidential service to help you pay your Council Tax. It could also help you avoid extra costs.

If you are late with your Council Tax payment and we have a mobile phone number for you, we will send you this text message:

"Gateshead Council has launched a new text service to tell customers about unpaid Council Tax. We can see that your Council Tax payments are now behind. Please pay in the next 3 days to avoid receiving a paper reminder letter. If you need help to pay please call our team on 0191 433 3600."

The sender will show as "GHDCTAX".

Steps we take to recover unpaid Council Tax

Do not reply to the text message

The text is automated and we are unable to read any replies. If you reply you may incur a fee from your service provider.

Opting out 

You can opt out at any time. Contact us if you would like to opt out and we will remove your phone number from the service. 

We do not pass your details onto third party marketing companies and we will not use it for marketing information. 

Financial difficulties

We can help you if you're finding it hard to pay. Contact us so that we can talk about other payment options and ways we may be able to help you. 

We understand that Council Tax may not be the only thing you're worried about and we try to design any help in line with your needs.