Council Tax FAQs

Click on the question to view the answer.

I have put in a application for Housing/Council Tax Benefit but haven’t heard anything yet?

I live alone, do I qualify for a reduction in my Council Tax?

I am a student, do I have to pay Council Tax?

Can students claim Council Tax Benefit?

I have just bought a flat but haven’t moved in yet. There is also no furniture in the flat. Am I entitled to a reduction?

I recently moved into this property and have received my Council Tax bill, but I am also receiving notices from your office for the previous occupant.

I used to pay my Council Tax at the end of the month – when I get paid – now I have been told I must pay on the first of the month, unless I pay by direct debit. Why is this?

Why have I received a summons for non-payment of Council Tax when I made a payment when I received my last reminder?

What is a liability order?

What powers do bailiffs have?

How can I apply for Council Tax Benefit?

I have put in a application for Housing/Council Tax Benefit but haven’t heard anything yet?

On average we are dealing with claims within 34 days. To apply for Housing/Council Tax Benefit you must complete an application form and provide documentary evidence to support it. If we require any further information or evidence we will write to you and ask.

While your claim is outstanding you should continue to make payments in line with your current bill.

I live alone, do I qualify for a reduction in my Council Tax?

Yes. If you are the only adult (over 18) living in the property you can apply for a single person discount. This entitles you to a reduction of 25% on your bill. To apply for a reduction please contact a member of the Council Tax Section or complete the Council Tax Discount application form.

I am a student, do I have to pay Council Tax?

Yes, in some situations you will need to pay Council Tax.

When we decide who is liable to pay we consider the status of each person in the property (e.g tenant, landlord).

At this stage we will need to establish who within the household is a full time student and how this affects Council Tax liability and the reductions. There is more information on the Students page.

Can students claim Council Tax Benefit?

A claim for Council Tax benefit must be made by the person liable to pay Council Tax. Generally, full time students cannot claim benefit, unless they fall within one of the following categories.

A lone parent
Disabled
Under 19 and following a further (not higher) course
Aged 60 or more

There are two types of benefit

Council Tax Benefit - based upon the income and savings of the claimant and their household
Second Adult Rebate - based upon the income of the second adult. This does not consider the claimant's circumstances or income

I have just bought a flat but haven’t moved in yet. There is also no furniture in the flat. Am I entitled to a reduction?

In some case you may be entitled to a reduction but it will depend on

Why the property is empty
How long the property has been empty for
Your current main residence

For more information please refer to the Empty Properties and Second Homes section.

I recently moved into this property and have received my Council Tax bill, but I am also receiving notices from your office for the previous occupant.

We probably didn’t receive a forwarding address for the previous tenant. It would be very helpful if you could send us a forwarding address if you hold one or any other details you think would be useful. If you do not hold any information on the tenant then please return the item to us duly noted.

I used to pay my Council Tax at the end of the month when I get paid. Now I have been told I must pay on the first of the month, unless I pay by direct debit. Why is this?

The Council relies on its residents to pay their Council Tax on time. Instalments are due on the first of the month so that we can collect in as much as we can early in the month and before reminders etc. are produced. It costs us money to send reminders to those who pay late in the month so it is beneficial to us if you pay on time. We offer five alternative dates for you to pay by direct debit (1st, 8th, 15th, 20th or 25th ).

Direct debit is the cheapest method of collection and as we know how much will be collected on any of these days we can rely on that income to be received on time.

You can click here to download a direct debit form.

Why have I received a summons for non-payment of Council Tax when I made a payment when I received my last reminder?

Council Tax is due in accordance with the instalments detailed in your annual bill. If you do not pay on time you will be sent only one or maybe two reminders. You will not be sent a reminder every month. If you continue to be late in making payments your instalment arrangement will be cancelled and the full amount will fall due, including the cost of the summons.

What is a liability order?

A liability order is granted by magistrates and entitles the Council to take further action against you for non-payment of Council Tax, including

The power to obtain financial information about you for the purposes of applying for an attachment of earnings or benefit
Employing bailiffs to distrain on your goods
Make you bankrupt; or
Apply for a charging order on your property

What powers do bailiffs have?

The Council employs bailiffs to collect Council Tax on its behalf. Bailiffs will firstly try to seek payment from you. If this is unsuccessful they can distrain on your goods. This means they can take away your possessions and sell them to meet the value of the debt owed plus their costs. Bailiff costs are expensive and you will be responsible for paying these fees each time the bailiff needs to visit your home. These costs can amount to an additional £200 on top of your outstanding Council Tax.

How can I apply for Council Tax Benefit?

You can find out how to apply for Council Tax Benefit by going to the Benefits section.