Council tax

Council tax is a locally set tax that is payable on all domestic properties. In most cases there will be one bill per property, whether it is a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette, mobile home or houseboat, and whether it is owned or rented. Generally, the bigger the property is, the more tax will be charged. Some property will be exempt from council tax.

Council tax is your contribution to the many services the council provides such as schools, roads, libraries, meals in the home, and rubbish collection, as well as the police, fire service and many other local services.

Council tax levels for 2010/11

Council tax customer charter 2010  (.pdf, 156Kb)

How the council spends your money

Council tax online services

We have a growing list of services which are available online, including payment online, apply for a discount and apply for an exemption.

Need debt advice? 

If you are finding it difficult to pay your Council tax, have fallen into arrears or have a range of other debts that you cannot pay, then there is help and advice available to you.

Please see our debt advice page which includes guidance on:

• ways of reducing your council tax bill
• ways of increasing your income
• helping you manage your council tax debt
• helping you manage other debts