How to Set Up Council Tax

What is council tax and what is for?

• Council tax is money that helps fund local services.
• Your local council uses this money for things like:
  • Rubbish and recycling collections.
  • Schools and education.
  • Roads and street lights.
  • Fire and police services.

Who needs to pay?

• Most adults over 18 who live in a home or on a site will need to pay council tax.
• The person who lives in the home pays the council tax.
• The homeowner or the person who rents the home is responsible for paying.
• If you live alone, you may pay less council tax.
• On most sites you will need to pay council tax:
  • Check with your site manager if you are unsure.

How much will I pay?

This will depend on:

Where you live

• Each council has different rates.

Your home

• Homes are put into bands, A to H.
• Band A is the cheapest.
• Band H is the most expensive.

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More information

• You can find out your council tax band here.
• When you get your first bill it will show you the amount for the whole year.
• Further down the page it shows how much you will be paying each month towards this. 

Register for council tax

• When you move into a new home, caravan, or pitch, you need to register.
• You can do this by:
  • Calling your local council office.
  • Going to the council website and filling out a form.

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Ways to pay council tax:

Direct debit

• The money comes out of your bank each month.
• This is the easiest way, as you don’t have to remember each month.

Online payment

• Pay through the council website with a debit or credit card.

Bank transfer

• Pay directly from your bank account.
• You can find the bank details on your council tax bill.

By phone

• Call the council’s payment line to pay by card.

At the Post Office

• You can pay in person at the post office with cash or card.

Discounts

If you are struggling to pay, you may be able to get help. Here are some discounts options:

Single person discount

• If you live alone, you get a 25% discount.

Council Tax Reduction

• You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits.
• Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%.
• See if you can get it here.

Disability discount

• If someone in your home has a disability, you may get a discount.

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Getting help

Citizens Advice

• They can help you with council tax questions and discounts.
•  Call 0800 144 8848.

Local Council

• Call or visit the website of your local council to:
  • get information on council tax rates, discounts and support. 

If you don’t pay your council tax, you may get:

Reminder Letters

• The council will send you letters asking for the payment.

Court summons

• If you still don’t pay, the council might take you to court.

Extra charges

• You could end up paying extra fees if you don’t keep up with payments.

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Having trouble paying?

• It’s important to contact your council right away.
• They may be able to set up a payment plan or help with other support.