Summary
This page lists the most frquently asked questions in respect of Council Tax queries.
What services do I get for my Council Tax?
Council Tax is not a direct payment for services received. It is a means whereby each householder contributes towards the cost of services provided in their locality e.g. Fire, Police, Education, Social Services. Your contribution is based on the capital value of your home as at 1 April 1991.
How is my Council Tax calculated?
The Council sets the standard level of Council Tax (called the band D tax level) in February/March each year. Each home is in one of eight valuation bands A to H based on the property's capital value as at 1 April 1991. The actual tax paid depends on which band the property is in.
Why are there so many different elements on my Council Tax bill?
The council acts as a collection agent for:
• Leicestershire County Council
• Leicestershire Police Authority
• The Combined Fire Authority
These bodies set their own budgets and we bill and collect Council Tax on their behalf in addition to the Council Tax for services provided by OWBC.
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.
Why are you taking me to court already for the full year when it is only part way through the year?
Council Tax Regulations give everyone the right to pay in monthly instalments, usually over 10 months. Payments are due on 1 April (or 15 April if paying by direct debit) and each month thereafter until 1 January. If payments are not made by the due dates shown on your Council Tax bill reminders are sent promptly. If these are not paid in full within 7 days, recovery action will continue which may remove your right to pay by instalments. The full year then becomes due and payable in full.
For further information visit our web page Advice if your Council Tax is in arrears|.
How can I get help with my Council Tax bill?
You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit, or qualify for a status discount or an exemption from Council Tax.
For further information please see the Council Tax leaflet enclosed with your bill or visit our web pages:
Council Tax and Business Rates information leaflet|
Revenues home page|
Benefits home page|.
Why do I have to pay Council Tax on an empty property?
The Regulations give some exemptions in specific cases. However, homes that have been unoccupied for more than 6 months, and are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished usually pay 100% Council Tax. Properties that are unoccupied and furnished get a 10% discount so pay 90% of the full Council Tax.
Councils are given some discretion within the Regulations on the amount of discount allowed for empty properties. Most Councils, including OWBC, have opted to allow the smallest or no discount in order to encourage empty homes to be occupied as quickly as possible.
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 commence recovery action against you. Your liability to pay Council Tax is not affected by provision of local authority services.
You should contact the local authority responsible for providing the service and say why you are unhappy. You can pursue the matter through the Council's complaints procedure if necessary, and ultimately involve your local Councillor and/or the Ombudsman as appropriate.
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 or benefit claim that may be outstanding. This is because there are separate legal avenues for pursuing different outstanding matters.
Can I have interest on any overpayment?
No, you cannot get interest on overpaid Council Tax. There is no provision in law to allow it so it would be illegal for the council to pay it.
Can I have a discount for prompt payment? I've paid the full year up front.
The power to do this is at the discretion of the Council and the current policy at OWBC is not to offer such a discount. This decision was taken as it was felt that to allow a discount would disadvantage those who did not have the means to pay in full rather than by instalments, and the cost of the discount would have to me met by all Council Tax payers as it would not be covered by the increase in cash flow.
I do not get paid until 28th of the month, can I pay then?
Yes, provided that you pay in advance of your instalment date not in arrears e.g. if your instalment date is 1 April you should pay that instalment on 28 March but not on 28 April. This way, you still only pay the same monthly amount (but a few days in advance) and you will then have January and February when you do not have to pay an instalment.
How can I find out the Council Tax Banding for a specific property?
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) , which is a Central Government Agency, is responsible for allocating a Council Tax banding to all homes in England, for maintaining the Council Tax valuation lists, and for dealing with banding queries. You can find more information on how Council Tax bands are allocated and you can check the banding of your property, on the VOA website at www.voa.gov.uk|
My house was in band B when I bought it but has now increased to band C. Why has this happened?
If your house has been extended or changed prior to you buying it, but since it was originally valued and banded, it will only be re-valued and issued with a new band when a material change takes place. The transfer of ownership of a property is classed as a material change.