Frequently asked questions on Council Tax

I have just moved into the Borough, how can I register for Council Tax?

You can register via this online form. Once you have submitted your form, we will then set up your account and send you your Council Tax bill which will include your account number and a breakdown of your payments.

I already live in the Borough, but I have moved address, how do I let you know?

You can notify us if you have moved within or moved out of the Borough via this online form. Once you have submitted your form, we will amend your account and send you a revised Council Tax bill.

What do I do if I have not received a revised Council Tax bill following a change that I have reported?

Please allow a full 21 days for this to be actioned. Once this has been actioned, a revised bill will be sent in the post, unless you have request to receive your Council Tax bill by email. If you have not received you Council Tax bill after this period, the please call us on 01493 846244.

How do I receive my Council Tax bill quicker?

You can sign up for eBilling. Once you have submitted your form and it has been actioned, you will then receive all future Council Tax bills by email rather than by post.

How can I check my monthly instalments and when is my next payment due?

You can sign up to our online portal using this link. Once the form has been submitted, please allow 5 working days for your account to be set up. Once this has been set up you will be able to view your account/s, see how much is left to be paid and your future instalments. You will also be able to set up a direct debit if you have not already done so, request a refund and report a change.

I have a credit on my account, how do I request a refund?

You can apply for a refund by logging on to your Open Portal account. If your account shows that it is in credit, there will be a link to apply for your refund. Alternatively, if you do not have an Open Portal Account, you can call 01493846244 or email [email protected]. Using an Open Portal account is much quicker to request your refund.

I want to pay my Council Tax by Direct Debit, how do I do this?

You can use our online form to set your direct debit up. You will need your Council Tax account number and your bank details at hand when you complete this form.

What do I do if I have received a reminder notice or cancellation notice and I can not afford to pay what I owe?

Whilst we understand that you may be suffering financial difficulties, it is really important that you do not ignore these letters. Please call us on 01493 846244 or email: [email protected] and we can try and help you. Please make sure you have your Council Tax account number with you when you are telephoning or quote this number on the subject line if you are emailing us.

What do I do if I have received a summons and I can not afford to pay what I owe?

Please contact us straight away. You can email [email protected]. You will need to quote your Council Tax account number in the subject line. Alternatively, you can call 01493 846610 and you will be able to speak to someone who can help. Read further information on what happens if you don't pay your Council Tax.

I have just received a call or text saying that am due to make a payment on my Council Tax account, what do I do?

This is an automated call because a payment is due. If this is payment is not made, you will be in arrears and further recovery action may be taken. Please pay the amount due as soon as possible. You can make a payment by visiting our pay online page or call our automated payment line on 01493 846117. Full details about these automated calls and texts can be found on the Council Tax voice messages and texts page.

I live on my own, can I get a discount?

Yes, if you are the only adult in your property, you may be entitled to a 25% discount. You can apply for a single person discount by using our online application form. Further details on this and other discounts or exemptions can be found on the discounts and exemptions page.

Do I have to pay Council Tax on an empty property?

All properties in the Council Tax Valuation list are subject to the payment of Council Tax charge. This charge will be based on the property circumstances. Read more information on paying Council Tax on an empty property.

I am on a low income and can not afford to pay my Council Tax, is there any help available?

Yes, if you are on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Support. Read more information on who can get Council Tax support.

You can also use our online benefits calculator to see if you may qualify. If you think you will qualify, then you can complete our online OPENPortal application form.

Once you have submitted your application and a decision has been made, you will be notified by post or email. We recommend that you request electronic notifications so that you receive the decision quicker. The decision will contain how much Council Tax Support you are entitled to, based on the information that you have supplied on your application. You will also receive a revised Council Tax bill with your outstanding balance and your payment details.