People contribute towards their local services by way of paying Council Tax. It is a tax, not a payment for services directly received – this is a common misunderstanding. The revenue raised by the tax does go towards paying for services, but it by no means covers the whole cost.
We collect Council Tax not only to help fund our own services but also those of Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Dartmoor National Park, and the 61 town and parish councils in our area. See How your money is spent on local services.
Only domestic properties attract Council Tax; Non-Domestic Rates are payable on business properties. The amount you have to pay is based on two things: the value of your home as it would have been in March 1991; and, in some cases, the number of adults who live in your household. See How much should I pay.
Some parts of the legislation are quite complicated, so if you can’t find the information you want, please call us. See How to contact us.