Explanatory notes 2026 - 2027
Does council tax fund all our services?
No. We receive money from a number of sources including government grants, income from fees and charges and interest on investments, as well as from council tax. Council tax represents about 13% of what we spend delivering our services.
When do I have to pay my council tax?
You can pay by 10 or 12 monthly or 2 half yearly instalments on the 1st day of the month.
If you pay by Direct Debit you can ask for your council tax payment to come out of your account on the 1st or 18th of every month.
How is my council tax bill calculated?
Your council tax bill is based on your property’s council tax band. It assumes there are two adults living in your home (as their main home).
I live alone - do I get a discount?
Yes. If you are the only person over 18 who has their main residence at your address, you are entitled to a 25% single person discount.
Do I have to pay council tax if I move out?
Unoccupied and unfurnished dwellings no longer receive a two month council tax exemption.
Any property that has been continuously unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years on or after April 2019, will pay an additional council tax premium of 100% - therefore paying a 200% charge.
Five year on or after April 2019, will pay an additional council tax premium of 200% - therefore paying a 300% charge.
Ten years on or after April 2019, will pay an additional council tax premium of 300% - therefore paying a 400% charge.
This is to encourage owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.
What if I cannot live in my property because it’s being a refurbished or repaired?
Could I be exempt from paying council tax?
Yes. If you are a full-time student, you are living in permanent residential care, you are disabled, or for a range of other reasons, you may be eligible for a discount or exempt from paying council tax.
What if I can’t pay my council tax?
If you are struggling to pay your council tax on time, please call us straightaway on 01543 308900. If you are on a low income find out about our council tax support scheme.
What if I miss a payment?
We will send you a reminder which gives you 7 days to pay.
If you don’t pay within this time, you will lose your right to pay by instalments and will have to pay your full year’s council tax balance within a further 7 days.
What if I miss more payments within the same year?
If you make a payment after the first reminder but fall behind for a second time, we will send you a second reminder. This needs to be paid within 7 days or you will lose your right to pay by instalments and will have to pay your full year’s council tax balance within a further 7 days.
If you fall behind for a third time, you will be sent a final notice and will automatically lose your right to pay by instalments and the full year’s council tax balance will become due.
In all instances where the full balance becomes due, unless you pay within 7 days, you will get a summons to appear at court to explain why you haven’t paid, and £70 will be added to your bill. You can choose not to attend court if you wish, however, the hearing will still proceed. We will ask the magistrates to issue a liability order and, if granted, a further £25 will be added to your bill. The order allows us to legally collect the money you owe. We can do this by deducting money from your benefits or earnings, or by instructing an enforcement agent (formally known as bailiffs). Ultimately, you could serve time in prison.