Council Tax

Council Tax is an annual fee paid to a local authority to cover essential services such as road maintenance, rubbish collection and leisure centres.  Council tax is based on the value of the property according to set bands.

Further information is available from our Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions list below or you can download the Your Money Guide 2008/2009   

or you can contact us at:

Council Tax Section
Chester City Council
The Forum
Chester
CH1 2HS
Telephone  01244 402471
email: counciltax@chester.gov.uk

About your Council Tax

• What is Council Tax?
• Why do I have to pay Council Tax?
• Why am I the person named on the bill?
• Can I have my Council Tax bill sent to me by email?
• How much Council Tax do I have to pay for the year?
• How do I know how much Council Tax to pay?
• How is the amount of my Council Tax calculated?
• I live in a parish, how much has been added to my Council Tax because of the parish council tax?

Council Tax Bandings

• What are the Council Tax Bands?
• Who determines which Band my property should be in?
• What do I do if I think the band my property has been given is wrong?
• I have appealed against the Band of my property, do I still have to pay?
• Why is my next-door neighbours band different to mine?
• I am building an extension to my property, will my charge increase?
• How do I tell you of a change of address?
• I live and work abroad or live somewhere else and live in Chester for work purposes. Why do I have to pay Council Tax for my property in Chester?

Paying your Council Tax

• How can I make a balance enquiry?
• How can I pay my Council Tax bill?
• What happens if I can not pay my Council Tax?
• Can I get help to pay my Council Tax?
• I'm over 65, will I be entitled to receive £200.00 towards my bill?
• Do I still have to pay anything if my property is empty?
• Can I have my bill reduced?
• There is a disabled person living in the dwelling, is there any other reduction available?
• I do not need all the services provided by the City/County Council, can I have a reduction?
• Why has my bill changed?
• Why have I had a review form?
• What happens if I no longer own or rent the property?

Non Payment of Council Tax

• What happens if I miss a payment?
• What happens if I don't pay as instructed on a Council Tax Reminder or Final Notice?
• What happens if I cannot afford to pay the summonsed amount before the Court date?
• What is a Liability Order and what powers does it give to the Council?
• What happens if I have not set up an arrangement once the Liability Order has been granted?
• What happens when the account is returned from the Bailiff?