Do I have to complete a new direct debit mandate each year?

No, for most people this is the simplest method of payment. By completing one mandate, we will notify you of the amounts and dates payment will be taken and whilst you leave the instruction active your bank will pay those amounts direct to us. You can cancel this instruction with your bank at any time.

It is in my tenancy agreement that my landlord wishes to pay the bill. Can you send the bill direct to him?

No, if the landlord does not live in the same property that the bill is for, the occupant is legally liable. If the bill were to be passed to the landlord, and for whatever reason they didn't pay, we would have to pursue the occupier, no matter what the tenancy agreement said. We will therefore bill the occupant and it is for them to ensure payment is made on time.

I believe my band is wrong. Can I do anything about it?

Yes, you can appeal to the Valuation Office. This procedure is relatively simple and free. Whilst they are resolving your appeal, you will need to pay the Council Tax based on your most recent bill. If the appeal is successful those payments will be taken into account when your new bill is issued.

Further details on banding and appeals can be obtained from the Valuation Office Website

I have received two (or more bills). Why and which one is correct?

The financial year for the Council starts on the 1st April. In March each year, every household is sent a bill for the coming year based on the assumption that the circumstance at the time will continue. If there are any changes in your circumstances, which affect the amount of Council Tax due, we are legally obliged to issue a revised bill. For example, a change to your income, rent, benefits etc. will result in a new bill being issued. When an appeal on the band of a property is resolved, it will result in a new bill for all occupiers of the property affected by the change. The latest bill is the one to make payment on but, if in doubt, please contact us as we are here to help!

Why should I pay? There are people I know who don't!

The Council Tax you pay funds payments for local services including Education, Social Services and the Police. Being able to make a claim for Council Tax benefit means that an individuals circumstances are taken into account in calculating the amount that needs to be paid. This may be a reason why someone you know doesn't have to pay. As the Council is legally required to help provide necessary services, it is therefore, committed to collecting the amounts that are due on the required dates. This is to enable a quality service to be provided to the community, at the best possible value to the community. We take swift recovery action against non-payers, if necessary through the Courts. The costs relating to this action are passed directly to the non-payer.

What happens if I can't pay by the date due?

Contact us, if we know there is a problem, we may be able to assist.

A credit agency has offered to deal with all my debts together - will you  contact them?

We will only deal with you and will not negotiate to spread payments over long periods even if another creditor does. Deal directly with the Council yourself, or if in doubt seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureaux or other similar organisation. But please do not ignore our correspondence or pass it on to a third party to deal with. It remains your personal responsibility.

Remember: we are here to help you and to give assistance. But if you have contacted an outside body for advice, you will still need to communicate directly with us