Council Tax - Frequently asked questions

1. What is Council Tax?

Every household has a liability for Council Tax.

Council Tax provides just over 42% of the money the Council spends on local services. The remainder of the money comes from Business Rates, Government Grants and income from charging for services.

In addition to helping pay for things like schools, emptying your dustbin and social services, Council Tax money also pays for the police, fire service and helps provide local buses, the Metro and local trains.

2. How much does each household pay?

The amount each household pays is calculated according to the value of the property they live in, whether rented or because they own it.

Houses, bungalows, flats and caravans are placed in bands according to how much they are worth. There are 8 bands from A to H. 52% of homes in Wolverhampton are in Band A.

More information on Council Tax Property Bands and Charges.

The Property Band and the Annual amount due is shown on the Council Tax bill sent out to all households in March each year. If you move the Council will send you a new bill within a few days of you telling us your new address.

If you want to know which band your home is in and how much your bill is, contact the Local Taxes division.

3. How does the Council know how much each household should pay?

The Council keeps a record of each house built and every conversion or extension carried out.

When the Council is aware that a new property has been built it arranges for it to be given a Council Tax Band. If an existing building is converted into flats or there are changes to a property the Council will report the property to the Valuation Office, who will decide if the band needs altering. This process usually takes less than a month.

The Council regularly checks empty houses and most people tell us when they move in or out. This information is used to update Council Tax records and for bills to be sent for the correct amount.

If you have moved, you need to tell us your new address.

4. Does everyone have to pay the full amount?

Many people do not have to pay the full amount.

If you live alone, or qualify for a discount as you or someone else is in a certain group of people, your bill may be reduced.

More information on:

People on a low income can get council Tax benefit (rebate) which may mean they have nothing to pay at all.

5. How is my bill calculated?

Normally everyone receives a bill in March for the next financial year which starts on 1 April.

If you move into or out of a property the Council will calculate your bill using the date you move.

If you have recently moved, you will need to tell us your new address.

6. How often will I have to make payments?

Everyone starts the financial year with the right to pay by 10 monthly instalments from April. You can choose from a selection of payment dates and methods. Once a bill has been issued, you must make full payment of each instalment on or before the date shown on your bill. More information on how to pay your council tax.

If you cannot afford to meet the payments on your bill, or if you miss a payment, contact Local Taxes immediately, as you may be able to make an arrangement to pay the amount due. More information on what will happen if you don't pay your Council Tax bill.

7. Where can I pay my instalments?

There is a choice of ways to pay your Council Tax bill:

by Direct Debit, this is the easiest way for anyone who has a bank account to pay and is the Council's preferred way to pay.
at a Post Office or by using PayPoint. A plastic payment card is provided for this. The card can also be used at the Civic Centre or any Wolverhampton Homes One Stop Shop.
by using the Council's automated 24 hour telephone payment facility for credit and debit card payments - phone: 0800 180 4464 at any time.
by cash, cheque, credit or debit card at the Civic Centre or at any Housing Office.

If you haven't told us how you want to pay we will send you a payment card.

Further information about how to pay your council tax is available elsewhere on this website.

8. Can I change the way I pay?

Yes you can. Simply fill out and submit the following request form.

If you don't tell us which way you want to pay we will send you a payment card.

If you move from one property to another in Wolverhampton we will assume you still want to pay in the same way.

If you have moved recently, you need to tell us your new address.

9. What happens if I don't pay my instalments?

If you miss a payment or don't pay the full amount, the Council will send you a reminder or final notice 7 days after the date the payment was due.

If you don't bring your payments up to date and continue to pay on time, a summons will be issued by the Magistrates' Court. When the summons is issued, extra costs are added to your account. If the full amount due, including the costs, is not received by the Council before the court hearing date, the Court will grant the Council a Liability Order with more costs added to the amount outstanding.
This order allows the Council to take further action to recover the debt. We can:

Instruct Bailiffs to call at your home to recover the debt. If this happens, the Bailiffs will add more costs to the amount outstanding
Have deductions taken direct from your Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance by the Department for Work and Pensions and paid to the Council
Have deductions taken direct from your wages by your employer, and paid to the Council
Take action to make you bankrupt
Register a charge against your property
Take action to commit you to prison.

You must continue to pay your Council Tax while you are waiting for a decision on a claim for Council Tax benefit. If an award of benefit is made any amount overpaid can be refunded to you.

If you are unable to pay your Council Tax, you should contact Local Taxes immediately to make an arrangement to pay.The earlier you contact us, the less likely it is that you will incur extra costs.

10. Where can I get further advice about my bill?

Information about Council Tax is included on this website. If you wish to talk to a trained member of staff, please contact Local Taxes during opening hours. If you want to talk to someone face to face visit the

Wolverhampton City Council
Council Tax and Business Rates Reception 12, First Floor
Civic Centre
St Peters Square
Wolverhampton

or your local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to assist you if you want an independent view.