Council tax is a local tax to help pay for local services. These services include police and fire services, upkeep of local roads and street lighting, drainage, etc
The amount of council tax you pay in is graded, dependent on the value of your home. The value of your home is set based on the capital value of your property at 1 April 1991.
The amount of council tax you have to pay depends on which of the eight valuation bands your home is in. The higher value the home, the greater your council tax bill will be.
The bands are set out on the website run by the Borough in which you live in. The exact amount you pay will vary parish by parish because of changes in parish precepts, etc.
Your property’s current banding is detailed on your council tax bill but if you want to check the council tax property band you can check it on the Valuation Office Agency website.
There are various exemptions that apply to council tax. They are;
- Vacant property - Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished will receive a 100% exemption for a maximum period of one month. Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for two years or more will be charged an additional 50% on top of the full council tax. There is no reduction for properties that are unoccupied and furnished.
- Occupied property - where all occupiers are under 18, or full-time students, or members of the armed forces, or severely mentally impaired. Elderly relatives living in an annexe are also exempt.
- Local exemptions - From the 1st of April 2004 there is a 100% exemption from council tax for up to 12 months for any property which has become uninhabitable because of a natural disaster and which needs major building or remedial repairs to make it livable again.
If you are the single occupier of a property then you are currently entitled to a 25% reduction in your council tax bill. If you are a tenant on a limited income you may be entitled to help towards paying your annual council tax bill. Council tax support is means-tested, which means it is calculated by taking into account your income, capital and household circumstances.
For full details of what support you may be entitled to visit your borough's website.
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