What is Council Tax?

 

Council Tax is payable on every domestic property and pays part of the cost of services provided by the Council.

In Wolverhampton the tax raises £101.0m which is more than 42% of the money spent by the Council on local services. The remaining cost is met from:

• The rates paid by businesses
• Grants from Central Government
• Charges for using services

Details of the total cost of services in the City including Police and Fire Authorities are shown in Council Tax 2008/2009.

For more details of the Council's activities see the Annual Reports and Accounts for 2006-07. 

How much do I have to pay ?

The amount you have to pay in Council Tax varies according to the value of your home with people living in more expensive houses paying more. 

Every residential property is placed into one of eight bands (A to H) as shown in Council Tax property bands.  The bands reflect the value of property and the standard amount for each band is calculated using a formula set by the Government.

Are there reductions compared to the price band ?

Many households do not have to pay the standard amount as they qualify for one or more reductions as described in personal discounts, reductions for people with disabilities and exempt properties. 

If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to claim Council Tax benefit.