Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council
Tel: 024 7637 6376
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

One Stop Shops:
Nuneaton Town Hall
Coton Road, Nuneaton,
Warwickshire, CV11 5AA

Bedworth Area Office
High Street, Bedworth,
Warwickshire, CV12 8NF

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Council Tax FAQ's

Council Tax – Frequently Asked Questions

Who determines the banding of my property?

It is the responsibility of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Listings Officer to maintain the Council Tax bands. This officer is not employed by the Council.

What can I do if I think my property is in the wrong band?

Council Tax bands are allocated by the VOA and are based on the amount a property would have been sold for on 1st April 1991. You can appeal against your band by contacting the local VOA office.

Valuation Office Agency
Overline House
Blechynden Terrace
Southampton
SO15 1GW

T. 03000 501501
E. ctwest@voa.gsi.gov.uk

There are limited circumstances under which you can submit an appeal. View the Valuation Office Agency website for further details.

I need to report a change in my circumstances

If you need to tell us about a change in your circumstances, i.e. you are moving house or wish to apply for a discount or exemption, then contact the Billing Section as soon as possible.

What reductions are available

If only one person lives in a dwelling a single person discount will normally apply which will reduce the Council Tax bill by 25%.

If a dwelling is no-ones main home and is furnished then a 50% discount will apply to the property.

Council Tax is based on two adults residing in a dwelling. Certain adults are not included for this purpose and are disregarded, i.e students, carers etc.

If you are in receipt of a benefit or on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax benefit. You may also get help if you share your home with another adult, or adults, who are on a low income. This is called Second Adult Rebate.

When should I pay?

You should pay according to the instructions shown on your bill. Payments will normally become due on the 1st of each month. If you elect to pay by Direct Debit, you have a choice of paying weekly, fortnightly, 4-weekly or monthly.

You must ensure that payments reach us by the due date, especially if you are paying over the Internet, at a Payzone outlet or at the Post Office.

I pay by Standing Order – do I need to complete a new form?

You will need to notify your bank of the revised payments every time there is a change in the amount you need to pay. This especially applies when you receive your annual bill in March each year. It is easier to set up a Direct Debit mandate.

I paid by Direct Debit last year – do I need to set this up again?

A Direct Debit will continue to run year on year until either the bank or customer cancels the instruction.

Can I set up a Direct Debit over the telephone?

Yes - you will need to contact the Billing Section to arrange this. Remember to have your Council Tax and bank account details ready when you call.

If I move within Nuneaton and Bedworth do I need to cancel my Direct Debit?

No - if you are going to be responsible for paying the Council Tax at your new address. We will transfer your details over to your new address.

I cannot afford to pay my Council Tax

If you are on a low income, you may qualify for Council Tax benefit. To apply, contact our Benefit’s Office. Otherwise, contact our Recovery Office to discuss an alternative payment arrangement, although this may incur an additional cost.

I have received a summons with additional costs. Do I have to pay the costs even if I pay before the Court hearing?

Yes - the costs charged have been incurred in issuing this summons to you.

How can I stop action being taken at the Court hearing?

There are two ways you can stop a Liability Order (i.e. a court order) being made against you;

You must pay the amount outstanding on the summons including costs in full, prior to the hearing. This is because you have now lost the right to pay by instalments, or;
If you have a valid defence against the issue of an order, you must attend Court to state your case

Council Tax Recovery - can I pay the debt to the Council instead of the bailiffs?

Once an account has been passed to the bailiffs, all future payments must be made directly to them. The Council will accept no arrangements or payments.

Are the bailiffs able to remove all of my goods?

Certain goods are protected from removal by the bailiffs. These include;

Such tools, books, vehicles and other items of equipment that are necessary to the debtor for use personally by him in his employment or business
Such clothing, bedding, furniture, household equipment and provisions as are necessary for satisfying the basic domestic needs of the debtor and his family

How do I contact you?

Recovery Office 024 7637 6530
Billing Office 024 7637 6534

Monday 21 May 2012