Frequently asked questions about your council tax bill (FAQs)

Do you have a question about your bill? Please read the frequently asked questions detailed below which may answer your query. Otherwise please email your query to [email protected]

How can I pay my council tax?

• Direct Debit - The easiest way to pay is by direct debit, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/counciltax to set this up
• Online - Please visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/payments where you can pay using your debit or credit card at any time
• By Phone – Please call 0300 456 2774 to pay using your debit or credit card at any time
• Via your bank - You can make a payment in person at your bank or via internet/telephone banking or standing order
• Please quote your council tax account number and ensure your payment reaches us by the due date. • Sort code: 30-00-00 • Account no: 00342572 • Account Name: Cheltenham Borough Council Head Office Collection Account

Can I view my account online?

Yes, register at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/my-revenues-and-benefits where you can manage your council tax, business rates, housing benefit & council tax support accounts online.
You can view up to date information, check when your payments are due, sign-up to pay by direct debit, upload information to send to us and register to receive your bill by email.

I have received my 2024/25 bill. Does this mean I have finished paying my council tax for all previous years?

No, your 2024/25 bill will not include any arrears for previous years and you should pay that balance as requested. Visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/my-revenues-and-benefits to register for an online account where you can check your council tax balance.

Am I still paying by direct debit?

If you have a direct debit set up, there will be a message on your bill below your instalment plan, advising “This bill is payable by direct debit and is for information only” If you have cancelled your direct debit, you will need to fill in a new form at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/counciltax You don’t need to cancel your direct debit when payments are finished, it will be carried over to the next council tax year.

Do I get 2 free months?

No. It depends on your instalment plan. If you pay the year’s charge in 10 instalments from April to January, you will have paid in full by January and will not have to make payment in February and March. However if you have your instalments extended until March you will not have a break but your monthly payment will be lower than if you paid in 10 instalments.

Can I extend my instalment plan until March 2025?

Yes, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/my-revenues-and-benefits to set up an account & request a change to your instalment plan.

Can I start my instalments late or take a payment-break part way through the year?

No, you can extend your instalments to March to reduce the monthly instalment amount but you cannot delay your payments or take a payment break.

I have advised you of a change but it is not reflected on my annual bill, why is this?

Your new bill for 2024/25 dated 01/03/2024 was produced from our system on 24/02/2024. If you advised us of a change, which requires an amendment to your account on or after this date, a revised bill showing the change will be sent to you shortly.

Can I pay my council tax on a different date?

You can make payment on any date as long as it is on or before the instalment date on your bill e.g. if you want to pay on the 25th you need to pay your April instalment on 25th March (ahead of due date) to ensure you keep up to date. You can also choose to pay by direct debit, where there is a choice of three collection dates, 1st, 15th or 28th

I cannot afford my instalments, what should I do?

You can check you have claimed the benefits that you are entitled to at www.gov.uk/browse/benefits You can also visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/benefits to check if you qualify for council tax support. We also have a dedicated page with information regarding debt advice and support Please keep in mind that council tax is a priority payment & you may need to review your outgoing expenditure to ensure you can make your payments. If you are still concerned about your ability to pay, contact our council tax helpline on 01242 264161