Council tax frequently asked questions

• What is council tax?
• Why do I have to pay council tax?
• Who is liable to pay council tax?
• How is my council tax calculated?
• Can I get help to pay my council tax?
• When should I pay
• I can not afford to pay, what can I do?
• What if I do not pay on time?
• I pay by direct debit when will my payments start?
• What is a payment card?
• Can I still use my old card?
• What information is on the card?
• How do I know what to pay?
• Where can I use the card?
• What if I lose or damage the card?
• Can I pay arrears using my card?
• I pay by standing order, do I have to complete another form?
• Who determines the banding of my property?
• What is the council tax band list?
• Can I see the council tax band list?
• Can I appeal against the band my property is in?
• I have appealed against the band of my property, do I still have to pay?
• Why is my next-door neighbours band different to mine?
• My rent includes council tax so why have I received a bill?
• My property is empty or will soon be empty, do I still have to pay anything?
• Can I have my bill reduced?
• What happens if I no longer rent or own the property?

---

What is council tax?

Council tax is an important part of the financing of Local Government and other local services. The money raised by council tax is used to make up the difference between the funding supplied by Central government and the money required by Plymouth City Council to supply all of the services needed by the inhabitants of Plymouth. It was brought into effect on the 1 April 1993 and replaced the community charge system.

[Back to top]

Why do I have to pay council tax?

The council tax is paid by every occupier or owners of a domestic property (houses, flats etc). It is a contribution towards the cost of services provided by Plymouth City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police Authority and Devon Fire Brigade. Plymouth collects all the charges and then passes the required amounts to the other organisations.

[Back to top]

Who is liable to pay council tax?

The owner will normally be liable if they live in the property or if they leave the property empty. If they do not live in the property and let it out or other people live there, the tenants or those living there will be liable. If the property is a multi-occupied rented property the owner will be liable.

[Back to top]

How is my council tax calculated?

Your council tax is worked out according to the valuation bands which are based on the estimated value of the property on 1 April 1991. There are 8 council tax bands - A through to H - and each band has a level of council tax set for it.

[Back to top]

Can I get help to pay my council tax?

Depending on your income and family circumstances, you may be entitled to help with your council tax in the form of Council Tax Benefit. When awarded this benefit reduces your council tax bill.

[Back to top]

When should I pay?

Council tax is due every month on the 15th. You can also pay on the 1st of the month if you pay by direct debit.

[Back to top]

I can not afford to pay, what can I do?

If you are on a low income you can apply for council tax benefit. If you have difficulty paying, please contact us, but in the meantime, pay what you can.

[Back to top]

What if I do not pay on time?

You will be sent a reminder. If you do not bring your account up to date or you keep paying late you will be sent a summons for the whole year’s bill and £78 costs will be added to your account.

[Back to top]

I pay by direct debit when will my payments start?

Direct debit payments are normally for 10 months. If you pay on the 1st of the month, your first payment will be on the 1 May and the last payment on 1 February.

If you pay on the 15th of the month, your first payment will be on the 15 April and the last payment on 15 January.

[Back to top]

What is a payment card?

The payment card replaced the payment booklet on the 1 April 2002 and is used to pay your council tax.

[Back to top]

Can I still use my old payment card?

Yes, as long as you still live in Plymouth.

[Back to top]

What information is on the card?

The name of the council tax payer(s) and account number are printed on the card. The electronic strip also contains the name(s) and account number but not how much has to be paid.

[Back to top]

How do I know what to pay?

You will still be sent a council tax bill which will detail what you need to pay and when.

[Back to top]

Where can I use the card to pay?

There is no charge for using the card and it can be used at any Post Office, Pay Point, Housing branch office and the Civic Centre cash office. The card cannot be used at banks.

[Back to top]

What if I lose or damage my card?

Contact the Council Tax Department and ask for a replacement.

[Back to top]

I pay by standing order, do I need to complete a new form?

You will need to complete a new standing order form, and return it to your bank, whenever you receive a new bill.

[Back to top]

Can I pay arrears using my card?

Yes! as long as the card has the right account number on it. Check this against the bill you want to pay. You will also need to know how much you have to pay this will also be shown on the same bill.

Do not mix payments for arrears with current instalments; ask for the card to be swiped twice. Pay the amount due for your current instalment with one swipe and then pay the arrears with the other swipe. If you pay both amounts together and the card is only swiped once both amounts will be paid towards your arrears and the Council will think you have fallen behind with your current instalments.

[Back to top]

Who determines what the Band of my property should be?

The Listing Officer, Valuation Office, 190 Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 1EG determines what the value of a property is for Rating purposes. He is completely independent from Plymouth City Council and can be contacted on 01752 614100. It is his responsibility to ensure that the council tax Band List is kept accurate and up to date. For further information visit the Valuation Office Agency website. This site also contains information on how to appeal if you think your property Valuation Band is wrong.

[Back to top]

What is the council tax band list?

Every council has a list, compiled by the Valuation Office, that shows the value of all domestic properties in its area and their given band, this is called the council tax valuation list. The properties are listed in alphabetical street order within postal areas and every property has its own reference number.

[Back to top]

Can I see the council tax band list?

The council tax band (valuation) list is a public document and can be seen at the Valuation Office Agency website. A hard copy is also held within the Revenues section at the Civic Centre.

[Back to top]

Can I appeal against the band my property is in?

Yes, but there are time limits. Information on making an appeal can be found on the Valuation Office Agency website or by contacting the Listing Office, Valuation Office Agency, 190 Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 1EG., or on 01752 614600.

[Back to top]

I have appealed against the Band of my property.  Do I still have to pay?

Yes. council tax is payable on the basis of the band currently appearing in the list and you remain liable to pay the amount you have been billed until the property's band value is altered. If the value is reduced, any overpayment will be refunded or credited against a future bill.

[Back to top]

Why is my next-door neighbours Band different to mine?

If the properties are identical, they should be in the same Band, but if there are differences, for example one of them has an extension this could account for the difference. The ranges of values in the bands are quite wide and these are shown on the Council Tax Band page. If you believe the Band of your property is wrong you may appeal against it to the Listing officer at the Valuation Office.  Information on making an appeal can be found on the Valuation Office Agency website.

[Back to top]

My rent includes my council tax, so why have I received a bill?

In most cases the occupier of a property is liable to pay the council tax. If you have a query please get in touch using the details in the right hand column.

[Back to top]

My property is empty or soon will be empty, do I still have to pay anything?

Reduced charges can be claimed in certain instances, for example when a property is completely vacated and all furniture and effects removed, a charge free period of up to six months is available. This will end before the six months are up if the property is occupied or furnished. After the six months, a charge of 100% will become payable even if the property remains unfurnished.

[Back to top]

Can I have my bill reduced?

There are various ways a reduction may be obtained.

Online forms are available to apply for single persons discount and disabled persons reduction on this site. If the query relates to the Band of your property, visit the Valuation Office Agency for further information.

[Back to top]

What happens if I no longer own or rent the property?

If your liability to pay the council tax for a property changes, you should notify the Council Tax Section. See your bill for details or the council tax home page for further information. We will need to know

• the date you vacated the premises
• the date the premises were sold or the lease expired
• your forwarding address for correspondence
• details of the new owner or leaseholder
• landlord or agents details if you were renting

[Back to top]

[Back to top]