Southampton City Council

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Council Tax

Council tax is a local government tax collected to help meet the cost of local services. It commenced 1 April 1993 replacing community charge/poll tax. The revenue raised is added to funding supplied by central government to pay for services such as schools, roads, street lighting, libraries, rubbish collection, etc and services provided by the Police and the Fire Brigade.

The law which governs council tax is laid down in the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and its subsequent regulations.

Council tax is payable on all domestic properties – houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes and houseboats. The Valuation Office Agency of the Inland Revenue gives each property a ‘band’ depending on its market value as at 1 April 1991. Southampton City Council then sets the charge for each band when the yearly budgets are set.

Council tax bills are issued to all properties prior to the start of each new financial year to cover the period 1 April to 31 March with an option to pay the annual charge over 10 monthly instalments. Please click on the links below to view the frequently asked questions regarding your annual bill. New occupiers are billed throughout the year.

Discounts and exemptions may apply according to the number of occupants and the circumstances of the household. Council tax benefit can be claimed by people who are on a low income to help pay the bill.

Your Annual Bill - Frequently Asked Questions

1. I would like to pay by Direct Debit

You can either set up your direct debit online, download and print the direct debit form Council Tax Direct Debit form or telephone your bank details through to our office on 023 8083 3009.

2. My instalments are spread over ten months. Is it possible to spread them over twelve?

No, the full charge for the year becomes due on 1st April but legislation states we must spread it over ten instalments. This is a statutory requirement.

3. When do I need to pay my monthly instalments?

Your instalments need to reach us on or before the date listed on your bill. There are four different payment dates available, the 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd of the month. If you would like to request a different payment date, please complete the request form Change instalment date.

4. I am moving part way through the year. What should I do?

You should continue to maintain the payments as per the payment schedule on your bill. Please telephone us your moving date as soon as possible and we will amend your account. Any overpayment can be transferred to your new account, if within this Local Authority area, or refunded to you.

5. Can I order some more payment slips?

No. Payment slips are only issued once per year with annual bills for customers not paying by Direct Debit. In order to control costs, these are not issued with other bills throughout the year. The reverse of your bill advises the different ways you can pay your bill.

6. My instalment amount has changed; can I amend the payment slips?

Yes. You can cross out an incorrect figure and write in a new one. Please note, the payment slips have your unique account reference on and should not be used for anyone else's account.

7. I have arrears on my account.

It is important you maintain your payments towards this years bill to avoid further recovery action and costs being added to your account. However, please contact us to arrange a payment plan for the arrears on your account.

8. What shall I do if I cannot afford to pay this year's bill?

If you are on a limited income, you may be entitled to Council Tax benefit. You can complete a benefit calculation Benefits Calculator.

Council Tax is a priority bill so it is important payments are maintained to avoid further recovery on your account, which may include costs being added. We can change your payment date to later in the month and have four payment dates available; 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd. To request a different payment date, please click Change instalment date.

9. I received a reminder to make a payment but I did not receive a bill that month?

We only send one annual bill in March. This lists all the payments to make throughout the year. Bills are not sent monthly. Although you will receive a reminder if a payment is late, further late payments may mean you lose the right to pay by instalments, resulting in the full year's Council Tax bill becoming due for immediate payment.

10. Can I pay my bill by weekly instalments?

No - payments are due monthly and repayment plans we make are governed by legislation. You can make part-payments but you must ensure that the full instalment due is paid by the date requested on your bill.

11. Am I entitled to any discounts or exemptions on my bill?

Certain residents may be entitled to discounts or exemptions. Please click Discounts for details of discounts and Exemptions for details of exemptions, or see your bill for further details. Please note; discounts and exemptions are not normally backdated for more than 30 days.

12. When will I receive my council tax bill?

Your annual bill will be posted from mid – March and in time for you to make your first payment.

Downloadable documents

Icon Name of file Size Download time
PDF document Council Tax Leaflet 2011 - 2012 547 KB 2secs @ 2Mbps
Link to download Adobe Acrobat if required

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