Council tax payment and debt advice

How do I appeal against my property band?

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) values domestic properties for council tax. This valuation is used to set your council tax band. You might need to contact the VOA if you think your council tax band is wrong.

You can find out more about when you can challenge your band and what you need to do at gov.uk/challenge-council-tax-band. If you challenge your band, you must continue to pay council tax at your current band until your appeal is decided. You can contact the VOA through the GOV.UK webiste. If you are unable to use the online service you can also contact the VOA on 03000 501 501

Please note: If you decide to appeal against the band you must still pay the council tax based on the existing band until such time as the appeal is settled. The council tax department cannot deal with an appeal against a property band.

Can I check a council tax band?

Yes, you can find out the Council Tax band for a home in England or Wales at www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands If you think your property is in the wrong valuation band, you may be able to challenge your property band with the Valuation Office Agency.

How can I pay my council tax bill?

The council's preferred method of payment is Direct Debit, but it also offers a wide variety of other payment methods. For details please see the back of your council tax bill or visit our payment options web page.

I do not get paid until the end of the month, can I pay then?

Yes, provided that you pay in advance of your instalment date not in arrears. For example, if your instalment date is 10 April you should pay that instalment from your March pay. This way, you still only pay the same monthly amount (but a few days in advance). We also offer other payment dates on Direct Debit - complete our online mandate

I can't pay my council tax - what should I do?

If you are on a low income you should check that you have claimed all the benefits that you are entitled to by visiting the GOV.UK benefits pages. You can also visit our benefits pages to check if you qualify for council tax support.

For debt advice, visit our dedicated debt advice and support page for more information. If you are still concerned about your ability to pay your council tax, we would encourage you to contact our council tax helpline on 01242 264161.

Can I extend my instalment plan until March or take a payment break?

You can extend your instalments to March, please visit our My Revenues and Benefits online sysyem where you can register for an account and request a change to your instalment plan. You cannot delay your payments or take a payment break.

Do I get two council tax free months?

Council tax is chargeable for every day of the year, whether you get a break in your council tax payments depends on your instalment plan. If you pay the year’s charge in 10 instalments from April to January then you will have a two month break for February and March, however if you have had your instalments extended until March then you will not have a payment break but your monthly payment will be lower than if you paid in 10 instalments.

Can I pay my council tax on a different date?

You can make your payment on any date as long as it is on or before the instalment date on your bill. For example, if you want to pay on the 25th you would pay your April instalment on 25th March to ensure you remain up to date with your payment plan and do not receive reminder notices. You can also choose to pay by Direct Debit, where there is a choice of three collection dates - the 1st, 15th or 28th of the month.

Fill in our online form to change your council tax payment method.

I've had a reminder or summons for non payment of council tax. What should I do?

Please pay as detailed on the reminder notice and then continue to maintain your original instalment plan. You have the right to pay by instalments (usually April - January). However, if you do not pay every month, and a summons is issued, you lose that right and the full amount outstanding for the year becomes payable immediately.

If you have received a summons and you are unable to pay in full please contact us on 01242 264161 or [email protected].

Can I stop paying my council tax because I am not satisfied with the standard of certain services?

No. If you stop paying we are obliged to start recovery action against you. Your liability to pay council tax is not affected by provision of local authority services. You should contact the department responsible for providing the service and explain why you are not satisfied. You can find a list of departments and services in our A to Z of services. You can also follow the council's complaints procedure if necessary, and ultimately involve your local councillor and/or the ombudsman as appropriate.

How do I apply for council tax support?

You can apply for council tax support whether you own your own home, rent from a social or private landlord, are unemployed or are working. Please note that you can only make a council tax support claim for your main home. The more money you have coming into your home, the less support we can give you. Please visit our benefits pages for further information and advice.

Do I still have to pay council tax if I have made a benefit application?

Yes. The council tax regulations state that payment is still due irrespective of any benefit claim that may be outstanding. 

Do I still have to pay if I have an appeal outstanding on my council tax?

Yes. The council tax regulations state that payment is still due, irrespective of any appeal that may be outstanding.

I am a pensioner - can I have a discount?

There is no council tax discount or exemption specifically for someone who reaches pensionable age. To see if you qualify for a reduction on your council tax based on your income please see council tax support for more information.

I'm in the army or my partner is in the army - can I have a discount?

There is no council tax discount or exemption specifically for service personnel who own or rent their own properties as well as staying in accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence.

My partner is in the army - can I have a single person discount?
If there is an intention for your partner to return to the property, a single person discount cannot be awarded. There is no discount available if your partner is currently in the armed forces and is required to stay in accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence or is currently on deployment.

Can I get a discount if I work abroad?

In the majority of cases if you are working abroad, we would consider your absence to be of a temporary nature, as it would be your intention to return to your home when your contract ceased. Therefore even if your partner works abroad, you will not necessarily be entitled to a single person discount.

I’ve just moved to Cheltenham, how do I register for a council tax account?

To set up an account, please complete our moving in form Once you have set up your account you can register with our online service, My Revenues and Benefits, to manage your account at a time that suits you. This service allows you to view up to date information and check when your payments are due.

I am leaving Cheltenham, how do I close my council tax account?

To close your council tax account if you are moving away, please complete our moving out form. Once we have amended our records we can send you your closed account.

I am moving to a new address within Cheltenham, how do I amend my council tax account?

Log into your My Revenues and Benefits online account where you can complete a form. If you do not want a My Revenues and Benefits account, please complete the moving out form.
Once we have amended your record a new bill will be sent to you.

I am the only occupier of my property how do I claim my single person discount?

If you are the only person over 18 who lives at your property and it is your sole or main residence you can claim a 25% discount.  To claim this, please log into your My Revenues and Benefits online account where you can complete a form. If you do not want a My Revenues and Benefits account. Please complete the sole occupier discount form.

How do I cancel my single person discount?

To cancel your discount please log into your My Revenues and Benefits online account where you can complete a form. If you do not want a My Revenues and Benefits account please complete the sole occupier discount form.

Can I view my account online?

You can register with our online service to manage your council tax, business rates, housing benefit and council tax support accounts at a time that suits you. This service allows you to view up to date information and check when your payments are due. Please visit our My Revenues and Benefits online system.

You will need your council tax account number to set up your account so people that are new to the area will need to register for council tax before signing up for the 'My Revenues and Benefits' online system.

I wish to request an up to date copy of my bill.

You can request a copy of your bill using our online service, My Revenues and Benefits.

Can I receive my bill by email?

Yes, please register or log into your My Revenues and Benefits online account where you can complete a form.

How much council tax do I owe?

You can register with our online service to manage your council tax, business rates, housing benefit and council tax support accounts at a time that suits you. This service allows you to view up to date information and check when your payments are due. Please visit our My Revenues and Benefits online system. Alternatively, contact the council tax department by emailing [email protected] or call 01242 264161.