What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is a local tax, set by each local council, to help pay for local services.
The Council Tax section deals with the levy and collection of Council Tax in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and subsequent legislation. This includes:
- issuing bills
- reminders
- summonses
It deals with:
- changes of address
- discounts
- exemptions
- reductions for the disabled
The tax has two parts, 50 percent property and 50 percent personal based on two adults occupying the property. This can be reduced to 25 percent if there is only one adult by applying for Single Occupancy Discount.
The amount you pay depends on the banding of your property which is shown in Council Tax bands and charges 2010 - 2011 (with effect from April 2010).
Please follow links for previous years:
Council Tax bands and charges 2009/2010
Council Tax bands and charges 2008/2009
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You can:
- pay your Council Tax
-
- online by using our online payments system;
- by direct debit - you can download a form from our online payments page or set one up over the phone by calling 01284 757275 during office hours;
- over the phone using our 24 hour automated payment line 01284 757000; or
- at any Post Office or PayZone outlet but you will need a payment card, which can be ordered by telephone from the Council Tax Section on 01284 757275.
- tell us online if you are moving in or out;
- download forms and leaflets;
- use the Quickcalc on the Benefits calculator page to see if you are eligible to claim Council Tax Benefit; and
- download the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim form (PDF 133Kb) to claim if you think you will get help.
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If you are having difficulty in paying your Council Tax bill, you should check if you are entitled to any reduction, such as:
- sole occupier discount if you are the only adult in your home;
- student exemption;
- exemption for severe mental impairment for a member of your household; or
- reduction for disability scheme.
Details of all discounts and exemption are shown in the list Council Tax forms and leaflets
Each property is placed within bands A to H depending on the valuation given by the Valuation Office Agency on 1 April 1991 and are shown in Council Tax bands and charges 2010 - 2011.
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