The Council is using an automated phone and text service to contact council tax customers about their accounts. This technology is helping to improve communication with our customers.
Council Tax contact received by voice message, text or Rich Communication Services (RCS)
We know that the cost of living is impacting on our residents. We want to do everything we can to prevent council taxpayers getting behind (in arrears) on their council tax payments and to provide help while we collect what is due.
To improve our communication with council taxpayers, the council is running a special telephone call, text and RCS campaign to contact those falling behind on their council tax payments.
You may receive a voice message or text from us to remind you about payments that are due or before we take further recovery action on arrears.
This is a free outbound telephone service providing the opportunity to request links to our website's payment page or a payment arrangement form.
This service is offered as a way to help prevent council taxpayers from falling further into arrears. However, it should not be relied upon as a reminder. It remains the responsibility of our council taxpayers to make sure that their council tax is paid on time.
Voice Messages
Our council tax outbound calls will come from the following numbers:
- 01303 610804
Please note these numbers cannot be used to speak to a council tax advisor, if you wish to speak to the Council Tax Service please call us back on 01303 853555.
Text Messages
The text messages are sent by Folkestone & Hythe District Council and will show as FHDC. Some of the texts we send will have links to payment or information pages on our website at www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk .
Protecting your data
We will only contact you on a number that we have on file for you and will not ask you to share any personal data when responding to the automated messages. Any website links we supply by text will be to the website pages of Folkestone & Hythe District Council only.
If you are concerned that contact you have received about your council tax account is not genuine then always make payment by visiting our Council Tax Payment System - Folkestone & Hythe DC or calling our automated payment line on 01303 853394. Mobile phone numbers used to deliver important notifications through SMS and RCS messaging will be shared with Text Global Limited.
Concern about scam calls
This is not a scam. It is a system used by the council to help you stay on track with your Council Tax.
If you get a phone call, you may be asked to make a payment or make an arrangement.
If you get a voicemail, you'll be given a number to make a payment or be advised to go to the council’s website.
If you get a text message, you'll be given a number to call to make a payment or be advised to go to the council’s website.
You won't be asked to give any personal information unless speaking directly to an adviser from Folkestone & Hythe District Council.