How to pay Council Tax

Council Tax is paid in 10 monthly instalments from April to January.

If anything changes during the year, such as you move home or receive a discount, we will send you an updated bill showing your new payments for the rest of the year.

Important information

• we don't accept American Express or Electron cards
• we don't offer discounted payment terms through third‑party companies, always pay the council directly
• if you’re struggling to pay, tell us as soon as possible, we’re here to help

Ways to pay

Direct Debit

• you will need your Council Tax account number and bank details
• you can pay on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st or 28th of the month
• it can take up to 14 days to set up your Direct Debit
• you will receive a new bill confirming your monthly payments and payment dates

You don’t need to set up a new Direct Debit every year

Your payments stop in January and restart automatically in April for the new Council Tax year. 

If your details change

To update your name, bank account or payment date, simply set up a new Direct Debit. It will replace your previous one automatically. 

Direct Debit prize draw

If you pay by Direct Debit, you will be entered into our annual prize draw to win a year without Council Tax payments. 

Online

You can pay online using a credit or debit card.

You’ll need:

• Council Tax account number
• payment card details
• account name on the bill

Payments must reach us by the 1st of the month. 

Phone

You can make a card payment 24 hours a day through our automated payment line 0303 123 1005.

You’ll need:

• Council Tax account number
• payment card details
• account name on the bill

Check your Council Tax online

You can check your Council Tax balance online using Myaccount. You need:

• your Council Tax account number
• an email address

Once registered you can view:

• your balance
• your payments
• any adjustments applied to your account (such as a discount, exemption or Council Tax reduction)
• your most recent Council Tax bill

Problems paying your Council Tax

If you're having problems paying your Council Tax bill, please contact us as soon as possible, we are here to help.

Council Tax collection and recovery

Information on instalments, arrears and recovery methods can be found on our collection and recovery stages page.