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Council Tax

Council Tax Service Update

The Council Tax team is currently experiencing a high volume of work. If you’ve contacted us via email or web form, please know that we are working through enquiries in order of priority and will respond as soon as possible.

Please avoid sending follow-up messages, as this will slow down our response times by increasing the overall workload. Thank you for your patience at this time.

Council Tax

Discounts, Exemptions, Disregards and Premiums

Did you know you can manage your Council Tax online? 

Simply log in or register to find out how much Council Tax you’ve paid, tell us about changes and, if you sign up for paperless billing you can view and receive your bills online too!   

When you sign up, we ask you to create a secure account to protect your personal information and make sure only you can see it. It’s quick and easy to do, and once registered you will be sent a passcode via email each time you log in. 

 Creating an account only takes a few minutes to register 

Your full Council Tax bill is based on two or more adults living in a property. In some cases, you may be entitled to a discount or your property may be exempt from Council Tax.

Discounts

Discounts are available for single occupiers, some empty properties and people who are disabled or live with a disabled person. See Discounts for more information.

Exemptions

Sometimes you may not have to pay Council Tax. Most exemptions only apply when no-one lives in a property, but sometimes occupied properties are exempt. These are only broad descriptions of the exemptions that are available. Each exemption is determined on the situation when you apply. See Exemptions for more information.

Disregards

Some people can be disregarded, that is not counted, for Council Tax purposes and you can claim a 25% discount on your bill. The discount cannot be given if, after ignoring all discounted people, two or more adults are living in the property. See Disregards for more information.

Premium charges

Premium properties:

For the financial year beginning 1 April 2026:

  • For properties unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 1 year but less than 5 years, the Premium charge will be 100%. For example, if the standard Council Tax charge is £1,000, the amount payable will be £2,000.

  • For properties unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 5 years but less than 10, the Premium charge will be 200%. For example, if the standard Council Tax charge is £1,000, the amount payable will be £3,000.

  • For properties unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 10 years, the Premium charge will be 300%. For example, if the standard Council Tax charge is £1,000, the amount payable will be £4,000.

  • For properties unoccupied but substantially furnished, the Premium charge will be 100%. For example, if the standard Council Tax charge is £1,000, the amount payable will be £2,000.

Long Term Empty Premiums

Furnished Premiums

Reductions/support

You may be entitled to Council Tax Support if you, or someone living with you, are on a low income. See Council Tax Support for more information.