Our Story:
Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports.

Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services.

We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.

Apprenticeships at Halton Borough Council:
Becoming an apprentice with Halton Borough Council means more than just a job. You’ll have the chance to grow your skills, learn from experienced colleagues, and be supported by people who truly want you to succeed. We’ll give you the tools, training, and confidence you need, plus the reassurance of knowing you’re making a difference for local people right here in our community.

Alongside your role, you’ll benefit from:

• Regular 6-weekly reviews with our dedicated Apprenticeship Officer, plus ongoing support whenever you need it.
• Chances to connect and share experiences with other apprentices across Halton Borough Council
• Fun opportunities to get out into the community, from school career fairs to local assemblies.

Our Team:
We’re looking for two motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Council Tax team. You’ll work on all aspects of Council Tax, ensuring residents receive accurate bills and benefits, while developing your skills in customer service, data management and ICT systems.

Alongside your role, you’ll complete the Level 4 Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Apprenticeship through the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV).

Successful completion leads to the Certificate of Local Taxation, Revenues and Welfare Benefits (Tech IRRV). The programme takes around 21 months, combining virtual learning, webinars, mentoring and workplace experience.

Hours: 37 per week

Your Contributions:

• Process and maintain accurate Council Tax records, including changes to liability, discounts, exemptions, payments, and property details.
• Respond to customer enquiries on Council Tax, recovery, and enforcement via phone, email, and online platforms.
• Assess, review, and apply discounts, exemptions, and reductions in line with legislation and council policy.
• Manage arrears and payment arrangements, taking enforcement action or preparing court cases where required.
• Liaise with internal departments, legal teams, and external agencies; process refunds and secure payments.
• Identify and support vulnerable residents by signposting to welfare services and tracing debtors where necessary.

Our Offer:
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be given the opportunity to apply for permanent employment in the Council Tax team.

Aside from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service with the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown
• Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
• Investment in your personal development
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites
• Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.

Next Steps:
At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well-informed so if you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Phil Delaney - Phil.Delaney@halton.gov.uk or 0151 511 7972.

Interviews will take place on w/c 10th November.

At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk

Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application!