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Q What is council tax?
A Council tax was introduced as a replacement for the
community charge, commonly known as the poll tax. Every household
has a liability for council tax. Money received from the council
tax helps to pay for schools, libraries, refuse collection, social
services, the police and fire authorities.
Q How much does each household pay?
A The amount each household pays depends on the value of
the property that you live in and which parish or town council is
responsible for the area that you live in. The amount you pay is
not affected by whether you are the owner or the tenant of the
property. Each property is placed in a band according to its
value.
Q How does the council know the charge for each
property?
A The Valuation officer agency and the council maintains
a database of every property in the Telford and Wrekin area. We
also keep a record of every new property as it is completed. When
we notify them that a property has been completed, they allocate a
band for the property.
Q What can I do if I disagree with the council tax band
for the property?
A Council tax banding is the responsibility of the
Valuation Office Agency, inland revenue. There are only limited
circumstances when an appeal can be made. If you require further
information on appeals against bandings you should contact: The
Listing Officer, Valuation Office Agency, Darwin House, 2 The
Mount, Shrewsbury, SY3 8PU, Tel: 01743 840400.
More information about the Valuation Office Agency is available
on their website
www.voa.gov.uk
Q How will I know how much to pay?
A If you move, the Council will endeavour to issue you
with a bill for your new property as soon as possible. The band of
your property and the amount that you are being asked to pay is
shown clearly on your bill. The bill will also show any reduction
that you have been awarded.
The council tax financial year runs from 1st April to 31st
March. You can therefore expect to receive a council tax bill each
March. The bill will advise you of your monthly payments.
Q Can I get a reduction in my bill?
A You may not have to pay the full council tax:
Reductions are available through discounts, exemptions, council tax
benefit and reductions for disabled persons. Please telephone the
Customer Contact Centre on 01952 383838 if you would like further
information or an application form.
Q Do I have to pay the full amount at once?
A If you receive a council tax bill in March for the full
financial year, you will begin with an entitlement to pay that bill
by 10 equal instalments. You may choose to pay by direct debit,
debit or credit card, cash, cheque or postal order. direct debit is
the simplest method of payment. There are strict guarantees with
this method of payment, including advance notice of any change in
the amount of your instalments. If the authority collects a payment
in error, you will receive a refund immediately.
Q If I wish to pay by cash, cheque or Debit/Credit Card,
where can I pay?
- Cash or cheque - at Civic Offices, either in person or by the
post. If paying by post do not send cash. Cheques should be made
payable to Telford & Wrekin Council'. Cheques can also be
posted to Telford & Wrekin Council, P.O. Box 215, Civic
Offices, Telford, TF3 4LF. Please also allow time for your payment
to be received and processed. This could be important if you are
late sending your payment to us.
- at a Post Office - please contact the Customer Contact Centre
on 01952 383838 to request a plastic card to enable you to pay by
this method. Cheques should be made payable to 'Post Office
Counters Ltd'.
- Debit and Credit Card - by telephone or at the Civic Offices.
If you wish to pay by debit card, please contact 01952 383977.
Please ensure that you have your card details to hand when you
phone.
Q What happens if I cannot afford to pay?
A If you are experiencing difficulties with your
payments, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01952
383838. A member of staff will be pleased to discuss the matter
with you and offer advice and guidance on what to do next.
Q What do I do if I need to speak to someone about my
Council Tax?
A The Customer Contact Centre is open at the following
times:
Telephone enquiries
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8.00am to 5.45pm
- Thursday: 9.30am to 5.45pm
- Friday: 8.00am to 5.00pm
Personal callers - Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Appointment Service - The enquiry desk at Civic Offices is often
very busy and you may have to wait to be seen. To avoid waiting we
do offer an appointment facility for Council Tax and Benefits
enquiries. If you would like to make an appointment - please
contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01952 383838.
Or:
- Home visits are available if you are unable to leave your
house. Please arrange a home visit with the Customer Contact
Centre.
Q Is there any additional assistance I can get for help
with my rent or council tax?
A If you are in receipt of some Housing Benefit or
Council Tax Benefit, but are still finding it difficult to pay the
remainder of your rent or Council Tax, you may be entitled to
receive an additional payment to help you with the shortfall.
Each application for a Discretionary Housing Payment is
considered on the individual merits of the case. Payments will
typically be awarded if you can show that you are experiencing
financial hardship, or you have some other special circumstance
which is causing you difficulty to pay your rent or Council Tax. If
you wish to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, you must
complete an application form giving details of your financial
situation and any other information you feel is relevant.
For further information, or to request an application form,
please telephone our Customer Contact Centre on 01952 383838.
Q What should I do if I suspect someone of committing
fraud?
A If you suspect someone of claiming either Housing
Benefit or Council Tax Benefit dishonestly, contact the 24 hour
Fraud Line on 01952 383839. You can leave information without
having to give us your name. The council will follow up all
information
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