Council Tax is an annual fee that your local council charges you for the local services it provides, like rubbish collection and libraries. Normally you pay it in 10 monthly instalments, followed by two months of not making any payments.

How much Council Tax you pay depends on:

- your personal circumstances

- which valuation band your property is in

- how much the council needs to fund its services

What does Council Tax pay for?

Local services are funded by Council Tax. This includes:

- police and fire services

- leisure and recreation projects such as up-keeping parks and sports centres

- libraries and education services

- rubbish and waste collection and disposal

- transport and highway services including street lighting and cleaning, and road maintenance

- environmental health and trading standards

- administration and record keeping, like marriages, deaths and birth, and local elections.

Can I get a reduction?

You might be able to get a reduction on your Council Tax if:

- you’re on a low income

- you’re a student or you live with students

- you live alone or are the only adult in your home

- you get certain benefits, such as Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit.

- you or someone you live with has a disability and as a result needs to live in a larger home

- you’re severely mentally impaired or living with someone who is

- you’re a care leaver in Scotland, where you’ll be exempt from Council Tax between the ages of 18 until you turn 26

- you live in certain counties in England and Wales and are a care leaver

- you’re a member of the armed forces, depending on your circumstances

- you’ve moved into a care home or hospital

- in prison – unless you’re serving a prison sentence for failing to pay Council Tax

By typing in your address and the type of property you have, you will be able to see at a glance what your council tax bill will be. This can help you make strategic plans for long term budgeting.