Council Tax - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Council Tax?

Every household has a liability for Council Tax.

Council Tax provides about 12% of the money the Council spends on local services. The remainder of the money comes from Business Rates, Government Grants and income from charging for services.

In addition to helping pay for things like schools, emptying your dustbin and social services, Council Tax money also pays for the police and fire service.

How much does each household pay?

The amount each household pays is calculated according to the value of the property they live in, whether rented or because they own it.

Houses, bungalows, flats and caravans are placed in bands according to how much they are worth. There are 8 bands from A to H. Most homes in Shrewsbury are in Band B (See Council Tax Bands). You can check the band for any property at the Valuation Office Website

The band and the Annual amount due is shown on the Council Tax bill (see also Council Tax Bands.) sent out to all households in March each year. If you move the Council will send you a bill within a few days of you telling us your new address.

How does the Council know how much each household should pay?

The Council keeps a record of each house built and every conversion or extension carried out.

When the Council is aware that a new property has been built it asks the Valuation Officer to give it a Council Tax band. If an existing building is converted into flats or there are changes to a property the Council will tell the Valuation Officer who will decide if the band needs altering.

The Council regularly checks empty houses although most people tell us when they move in or out. This information is used to update Council Tax records so that bills are to be sent for the correct amount.

Does everyone have to pay the full amount?

Some people do not have to pay the full amount.

If you live alone, or qualify for a discount because you or someone else in the property is in a certain group of people, your bill may be reduced.

People on a low income can get Council Tax benefit which may mean they have nothing to pay at all.

How is my bill calculated?

Normally everyone receives a bill in March for the next financial year which starts on 1 April.

If you move into or out of a property the Council will calculate your bill using the date you move.

Do I have to pay the bill at once?

Everyone starts the financial year with the right to pay by 10 monthly instalments from  1st April. There are rules which have to be followed when we calculate your payments.

If you don't pay your right to pay by instalments will be cancelled for the year. If you lose the right to pay by instalments it will be reset automatically for the next financial year. You do not need to reapply.

How can I pay my instalments?

There is a choice of ways to pay your Council Tax bill;

• by Direct Debit, this is the easiest way for anyone who has a bank account to pay and is the Council's preferred way to pay. Download a Direct Debit form.
• at a Post Office. A special plastic card is provided for this.
• Online via the internet
• by using the Council's debit card hotline 01743 281176
• by cash or cheque using the auto-till at The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay
• by post by sending a cheque to the address on the bill
  

Can I change the way I pay?

Yes, please contact the Council Tax Department - email revenues@shrewsbury.gov.uk or call 01743 281498.

If you move from one property to another within the Borough we will assume you still want to pay in the same way.

What happens if the bill is not paid?

If you don't pay enough or if you miss a payment completely the Council will send you a reminder.

The wording on the reminder will depend on;

• whether you have had a reminder before, or
• whether you have moved from the property, or
• whether all the instalment dates for the year concerned have passed

If you ignore the reminder you will get a summons to go to the Magistrates' Court.

If you still don't pay the Council can send a bailiff or have the money deducted from your wages or Income Support.

If all this fails you could go to jail for not paying.

Remember: it is better to make an arrangement to pay when you get the bill than to wait until the Council has had to send a reminder. We can only help if you tell us about your problems.

Where can I get further advice about my bill?

If you wish to talk to a member of staff, please telephone the office on 01743 281498 during normal opening hours, alternatively you can write or email us on revenues@shrewsbury.gov.uk

If you want to talk to someone face to face visit the Council Tax Department or your local CAB may be able to assist you if you want an independent view.