How do I check if my Council Tax will go up this year?
MILLIONS of households will see their Council Tax bill jump in April as authorities hike rates.
Councils across the UK have been given the green light to raise bills by 5% – but some have been allowed to charge even more.
Croydon Council has been given permission to hike council tax bills by 15% to pay off £1.6billion of debt.
While residents in Slough Borough Council’s catchment area could be hit with a council tax bill sting of 9.99%.
Local authorities were previously only allowed to raise council tax by 2.99% – anything higher would have required a local vote.
Town leaders have already started to publish their Council Tax rates in draft consultations.
The amount you’ll pay is determined by the local council and depends which “band” the property you live in falls under.
Your home’s band is based on its value – the more expensive the property, the more council tax will be charged.
We explain how to check whether your council tax bill will rise next year.
Is my council tax set to rise?
Households receive their council tax bills in April, at the beginning of the new financial year.
Before then, it’s hard to say which areas are likely to raise rates by the most – and which may keep rates frozen for another year.
Changes to Council Tax are typically announced in the last week of March, giving homeowners little time to prepare for changes to their annual budget.
In the meantime, it’s safe to say your Council Tax is likely to go up.
Research shows 84 out of 114 councils that have declared their proposals intend to increase the charge by the legal limit.
It means the average band D family will be charged £99 more a year.
The Sun has listed numerous councils across the country who have already announced hikes.
For example, North Yorkshire Council’s proposed budget could see council tax bills rise by 4.99%.
Skegness Town Council is considering increasing its precept by 5.42%.
Check how much your council tax bill will go up by
Keep an eye on your council’s website for information on its budget plans for the 2023/24 financial year – that will include information on any rate hikes.
Check which council tax band your property falls under to work out how much the increase will cost you.
You can find your local authority by using the gov.uk search tool.
You’ll then be sent a council tax bill in April outlining how much you need to pay.
Residents can choose to make payments over a period of 10 months.
You can also opt to pay instalments over 12 months if you prefer – although you won’t benefit from a pause in payments at the end of 2022.
What can I do if I’m struggling to pay council tax?
If you’re having a hard time paying off Council Tax debt, there’s may be help available.
Check whether you’re eligible for a council tax discount or exemption.
For example, single people can get 25% off their bills while students don’t have to pay at all.
Struggling homeowners could get thousands of pounds in Council Tax debts wiped as councils clear record levels of arrears.
To do this, you must fill out a Section 13A application form, and it’s down to your council to decide whether to clear your debts.
Here are some more ways to save thousands of pounds on your council tax.
We’ve listed nine benefits you could be missing out on – and how to check if you’re owed a government pay-out.
You might also be in the wrong Council Tax band – and paying hundreds more than you need to.