Frequently Asked Questions: Council Tax Annual Bill 2008/09

If you have a query relating to your Council Tax bill, please read through this set of frequently asked questions before calling the Council, as the answer to your question may be answered here.

The bill states I owe some money from my last instalment but I paid this last week. Why does it say this on the bill?
The information on the bill is correct as at 28th February, which is when we closed our systems to start our annual billing process. Any payments made after this date will have been credited to your account but are not showing on this bill.

I have arrears from previous year – are they included in my instalment amounts?
No. Your arrears need to be paid separately. It could be that they are being dealt with already by our enforcement agents, or you already have an arrangement to pay the arrears. If this doesn't apply, please pay immediately or contact us on 01628 683 850 to discuss payment.

The bill says I have arrears but I don't believe I have arrears.
If you have made a payment that would have reached us after 28th February, then it will not be showing on this annual Council Tax bill.
If this doesn't answer your question, you will need to contact us on 01628 683 850. Please have your receipts or details of your payments to hand when you call us.

I get paid at the middle/ end of the month, can I pay then?
Unless you pay by Direct Debit, when you get the choice of 1st or 15th of each month, then you should use your March income to pay the April instalment in good time for 1st April due date. This means your payment will not be late for April.

What will happen if I don't pay the instalments on time?
Details of the Council's recovery policy can be viewed on this website. Please click on the realted link on the right of this page.

I want to set up a standing order – what are your bank details?
A/C 02398656 sort code 30-00-00  Lloyds head office collection a/c. You need to quote your council tax reference number on the form. Why not consider paying by Direct Debit, then you won't need to set up a standing order each year.

How can I tell if I am already on Direct Debit? 
Check the instalments on your bill and if you are on Direct Debit, it will show this next to the instalments.  

Why is my partner on the bill - I own the property not him/her? 
Partners who live with the owner or tenant are jointly liable

What services does Council Tax cover?
The Council Tax covers such services as refuse collection, highways, street cleaning, leisure centres, park & recreation grounds, planning & building control, environmental health, education, social services, libraries, licensing. The leaflet sent with the Annual bill gives details of spending plans

What is the increase from last year?
This is shown on the bill.

What is the parish charge for?
Each parish council tells the Council how much to collect to enable them to provide their services (such as allotments, footpath lighting, local planning issues), and the Council collects this and passes it on.

Do I pay extra for living in Windsor/Maidenhead? 
No. You pay a contribution towards the spending for Maidenhead or for Windsor in the same way that a parish charge is paid by people who live in a precepting parish.  Council Tax is fixed for everybody in the borough – the only difference is either you contribute towards the parish you live in, or for Maidenhead or Windsor if you do not have a parish council that levies a precept.

Do I get a discount if I'm a pensioner? 
You can apply for Council Tax benefit, which is based on your income. If you live alone you can claim a Single Person Discount. But there is no age-related discount

Why have you sent me a bill till 31.3.09, when I only have a 6-month tenancy:
Council Tax is calculated on a daily rate and charged up to the end of the financial year.  Our tax year runs from 1.4.08 to 31.3.09.  If you move out at any time, your tax is calculated to the day before your liability ends (i.e. the tenancy end date or completion date.) This may include a discount or exemption from the date you vacate. Remember to tell us in good time before you move.

I am on full benefit so why have I been sent a bill which doesn't give instalments to pay?
The bill is for your information only and the Council has a legal duty to send it to you, even if you have nothing to pay. You have a right to see how the Council Tax is being spent and how much it is.

My question hasn't been answered in this Frequently Asked Questions sheet, how can I contact you?
You can phone us on 01628 683 850. The lines are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.