Council Tax Instalments and What Happens If I Can't Pay
How Council Tax Is Paid
Council Tax is a yearly charge which runs from 1st of April each year to the 31st of March the following year. Your instalments are payable over ten months from April to January. The payment date for Council Tax is on or before the 15th of each month, however, if you pay by Direct Debit you can choose from three payment dates of the 1st, 15th and 28th of the month.
If you move into a property after the 1st of April we will calculate your Council Tax from the date you become due to pay until the 31st of March. Your instalments will be calculated over the remaining months of the Council Tax financial year. It is important to tell us quickly when you move into an address so we can set up your account quickly and give you the maximum number of months to pay.
If you move out of your property your Council Tax is calculated from the 1st of April (or the date your account started if earlier than this) until the date your liability ends. This may not be the same date you moved out of the property. Your bill will be calculated including any payments you have made or reductions you may be due and sent to you. Any balance will be due to be paid in one instalment. Please let us know when you have moved out of a property so that we can amend your account.
What Happens If I Can't Pay
If you are having difficulty paying your Council Tax you should contact us as soon as possible. There are a number of ways we may be able to help you depending on your circumstances. We also have a dedicated Debt Recovery Team who may be able to help.