Why have I received a Council Tax bill?
Each year we issue Council Tax bills to households to show how much Council Tax is due for the new financial year (1 April to 31 March). Council Tax helps pay for local services such as schools, social care, waste and recycling, highways, and emergency services.
What period does this bill cover?
Your annual bill covers the period 1 April to 31 March. Even if you pay by monthly instalments, the charge shown relates to the full financial year.
Why has my Council Tax changed from last year?
Your bill may have changed for one or more of the following reasons:
- The Council has agreed a change to its Council Tax charge, often known as the annual increase.
- The charge from the Police and Crime Commissioner has changed
- A discount, exemption, or reduction you previously received has ended
- There has been a change in who lives at the property
A breakdown of charges is shown on your bill.
How is my Council Tax calculated?
Council Tax is based on:
- The Council Tax band of your property (set by the Valuation Office Agency)
- The annual charge is set by the Council and other public service bodies such as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent.
Where can I find my council tax account number?
You can find this on any bills you have received for your property.
You can find this on the right-hand side of your bill under your address.
My bill shows a CR next to amount payable, what does this mean?
If your total amount payable has CR next to the amount, this means that you are in credit and you will not need to make any payments.
You may be entitled to a refund.
Email us with your name and address to ask for a refund quoting your council tax account number on info@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Can I challenge my Council Tax band?
Your Council Tax band is shown on your bill. Bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), not the Council.
If you think your band is wrong, you can check and, in some circumstances, challenge it via the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website. Please note that challenging your band can result in it going up or down.
Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Contact Details
Telephone 03000 505505
How can I pay my Council Tax?
You can pay in several ways, including:
- Direct Debit
- Online payments -
- Automated payments service - 0161 621 2977
- Standing order
- Post Office and PayPoint services
You can change your payment details using this online form:
/en/resident/council-tax/change-payment-details/
When are payments due?
Payment dates are shown on your bill. In some cases, instalment plans may be available.
You can change your payment details using this online form:
/en/resident/council-tax/change-payment-details/
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment:
- We will issue a reminder notice
- If payments are not brought up to date, you may lose the right to pay by instalments
- Further non-payment could lead to recovery action, including court proceedings
If you are struggling to pay, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help.
Can I get help to pay my Council Tax?
You may be entitled to help through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits.
You can apply for a council tax reduction by using the link below.
/en/resident/council-tax/council-tax-reduction/council-tax-and-housing-benefit-reduction-online/
Some households may also qualify for discounts or exemptions, use the link below for further information.
Is my property exempt from Council Tax?
Some properties may be exempt, for example:
- Properties with no furnishings
- Properties occupied only by full-time students
- Empty properties under specific circumstances
- Properties where all residents have a severe mental impairment
Exemptions depend on your individual circumstances and evidence may be required.
Use the link below to find out further information.
/en/resident/council-tax/exemption-application/
What if my circumstances change during the year?
You must tell us if there is a change that could affect your Council Tax, such as:
- Someone moving in or out
- A change affecting a discount or reduction for example, a child turns 18.
This helps ensure your bill is accurate and avoids backdated charges.
What should I do if I think my bill is wrong?
If you believe your bill is incorrect:
- Check the details carefully
- Contact the Council Tax team straight away using the details below:
- Email: info@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01495 311556
Please have your Council Tax account number to hand when contacting us.
You must continue to pay as shown on your bill while your query is being reviewed.
What if I am moving home?
If you move:
- Tell us the date you are leaving your current property
- Tell us when you move into your new property (if this is in °¬˛ćAƬ)
- Provide your forwarding address
We will issue a revised bill if needed.
Use this link to tell us you've moved:
/en/resident/council-tax/tell-us-you-ve-moved/
How do I contact the Council Tax team?
Using our new and improved online service is the fastest way to get help.
If you are unable to do this, you may have a friend or family member that can help you with this.
Use the link below to apply, request, report, pay or cancel a council tax service:
Alternatively, you can contact us by:
- Email: info@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01495 311556
Please have your Council Tax account number to hand when contacting us.