Question: Why have I just received a new Council Tax bill?
Answer: The rate of Council Tax due for 2012/13 has now been set and instalments are due payable from April 2012.
Question: My Council Tax rate is the same as last year, is that correct?
Answer: Yes. Council Tax charges for Eastbourne have not increased this year.
Question: How much Council Tax do I have to pay?
Answer: Each property is given a band by the Valuation Office. The council tax charge is based on this band. You can get a full list of charges in Eastbourne by viewing our Council Tax Charges page.
Question: How much is the Council Tax Bill for the property I am living in, and what band is it?
Answer: You can find out what band a property is in from the the Valuation Office website. The charges for each band in Eastbourne are shown on our Council Tax Charges page.
Question: Am I entitled to Council Tax benefit?
Answer: The following people, who are liable for Council Tax, may claim Council tax Benefit:
- Council Tenants
- Private Tenants
- Owner/Occupiers
- Any other person liable
Some people will be eligible to claim benefit, dependent on their circumstances, but benefit will not be awarded to help people pay in respect of second homes. The amount of Benefit allowed will be calculated after the award of any discounts.
To find out more about making a claim for Council Tax Benefit, visit our Benefit pages.
Question: Am I entitled to a Council Tax discount?
Answer: The full council tax bill is calculated on the assumption that two or more adults live in the property. Some people, such as carers and student nurses can be disregarded. You can get a 25% discount if you are the only adult living in the property and a 10% discount if no one lives there. i.e. second home
To apply for a discount, please download and complete this form. You can either return it to our 1 Grove Road offices, or email it back to us at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: Am I entitled to Single Occupancy Discount on my Council Tax?
Answer: You are entitled to a 25% discount if you are the only adult, over the age of 18 living in the property.
Download and complete our Single Occupancy Discount form. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us directly at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: Am I entitled to an exemption from Council Tax?
Answer: Some properties are exempt and there is no tax to pay.
Properties are exempt for a period of time if they are:
- Empty and unfurnished
- Empty and are newly built or have had major structural repairs or alterations
- Empty after probate or letters of administration have been granted
Click here to view more information about exemptions.
Click here to download a form to apply for an exemption. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: Can you give me information on methods of paying my Council Tax? Answer: You can pay by cash, crossed cheque, debit card, credit card, direct debit, telephone, standing order or online.
To set up a Direct Debit, simply download a mandate and return it to our 1 Grove Road office, or email it to us at: Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Click here to pay online.
Call 01323 649358 to pay using our Automated telephone line.
Question: I live on my own. Do I have to pay full council tax?
Answer: No. You could be are entitled to at least 25% discount. Download and complete our Single Occupancy Discount form. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us directly at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: Do I have to pay full Council Tax if my house is undergoing major repairs?
Answer: A property undergoing major structural repair work may be exempt from Council Tax for up to one year.
Click here to view more information about exemptions.
Click here to download a form to apply for an exemption. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: Do I have to pay full council tax when my property is empty?
Answer: If your property is unoccupied and unfurnished, generally there is no charge for the first six months. After this time a charge of 100% will apply.
Click here to view more information about exemptions.
Click here to download a form to apply for an exemption. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: How long does discount on Council Tax last?
Answer: A discount will continue as long as you are entitled to it. It is therefore important that you notify us immediately if your circumstances change.
Click here to view more on discounts.
Click here to download a form to apply for a discount. You can either return this form to our offices at 1 Grove Road, or email it back to us at Counciltax@eastbourne.gov.uk
Question: I am moving out of the area and would like to apply for a council tax refund. How do I do this?
Answer: You should notify us immediately of any change of address. This will help us to calculate your correct charge as soon as possible. We will refund you any overpaid council tax.
Please click here to learn more about what to do when you are moving and how to notify us online.
Question: I have moved house and want to know how to transfer my payments. My new property is in a higher band so I will need a new bill.
Answer: Please give us details of your move by completing a change of address form. If you have moved within the same area, the Council will recalculate your charge and send you a new bill. If you pay by Direct Debit your payments will be amended automatically. If you have moved to a different area you should tell both the old and new local authorities about your move.
Please click here to learn more about what to do when you are moving and how to notify us online.
Question: I pay my council tax by direct debit, I believe there are 10 instalments in the year - which month is it where there is no payment?
Answer: There are usually ten instalments with the first due on 1st April and the last on 1st January. However as we progress through the financial year, new accounts may be spread over fewer months.
Question: I would like to pay my Council Tax by Direct Debit, how can I set this up?
Answer: Simply complete a Direct Debit mandate and return it to us. Alternatively contact us on 0845 300 6715 to set up a Direct Debit over the phone.
Question: I would like to pay my council tax bill through the Council's website. How can I pay using this method?
Answer: You can pay using all major debit or credit cards by using our online payments service. There is a 1.5% charge applied when using your Credit card to pay.
Question: I'm a single parent. Can I claim Single Occupancy Discount on my Council Tax?
Answer: You are entitled to a 25% discount if you are the only adult living in the property. Complete and return our Single Occupancy Discount form.
Question: If I am paying full council tax on a property under another council, will I get a discount on a second property?
Answer: You can get a discount on a second home or an empty property. Please send a copy of your Council Tax bill for your main home to us.
Question: My Council Tax band has been increased, why is that?
Answer: The Valuation Office sets the Council Tax bands and you can contact them directly for further information.
The Valuation Office Agency
St Annes House
St Annes Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3LG
Tel: 03000 500 050
Fax: 01323 530099
Website: http://www.voa.gov.uk
Question: My Council Tax band is too high, can I appeal?
Answer: Yes. You can make a proposal to alter the band if you have moved to a property within the last 6 months or if your property has appeared on the valuation list in the last 6 months.
Please contact the valuation office.
The Valuation Office Agency
St Annes House
St Annes Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3LG
Tel: 03000 500 050
Fax: 01323 530099
Website: http://www.voa.gov.uk
Question: What can I do if I cannot afford to pay my Council Tax?
Answer: If you have received a reminder or summons, you should contact the Revenues Department on 0845 300 6715, to discuss your account.
Question: What do I do if I do not agree with the banding of my property?Answer: The banding of each property is decided by the Valuation Office. If you wish to appeal against the banding you should contact the Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office Agency
St Annes House
St Annes Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3LG
Tel: 03000 500 050
Fax: 01323 530099
Website: http://www.voa.gov.uk
Question: What is the difference between an Empty home and a Second home in terms of Council Tax payment?
Answer: An empty home is a property which no-one lives in. A second home is one which you do not occupy as your main residence but may be used as family holiday accommodation or sometimes let out to tenants. If the property is let out as a holiday home for more than 20 weeks of the year, it should be Business Rated. Empty properties and second homes can attract different discount rates set by the local authority.
Question: How do I make a complaint?
Answer: Contact us if you have a complaint about our service. We will respond to you within ten working days. You can make a formal complaint if you are still not satisfied. Ask at any Council office for a complaint form.
Question: When are the Council Offices open?
Answer: Please see the opening times for Council Tax or Benefit enquiries
