About Council Tax
Council Tax is based on the value of your property. The assessment is carried out by a Valuation Officer. It helps pay towards the cost of the local services provided by the council and the police.
What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is based on the value of your property. The assessment is carried out by a Valuation Officer. It helps pay towards the cost of the local services provided by the council and the police.
Who is eligible to pay Council Tax?
Council Tax applies to every residential property.
So who is likely to be eligible for Council Tax Benefit and how can I make a claim for Council Tax Benefit?
You claim Council Tax Benefit in the same way that you claim Housing Benefit. The form that you fill in with the council for Housing Benefit is also used to work out what help you can get towards your Council Tax.
When do I pay my Council Tax?
Payments are due on the 15th of each month, and are collected between April and the following January. However, you can choose to pay the whole charge on, or before, 15th April.
What methods can I use to pay my Council Tax?
You can pay Council Tax in the following ways.
By post
You can send a cheque or postal order, made payable to ‘Bridgend County Borough Council’, to the Finance Department at the civic offices, Angel Street, Bridgend.
Direct debit
You can arrange to pay your Council Tax by direct debit from your bank or building society.
Payment card
You can make payments at the main council offices based in the civic offices, Angel Street, Bridgend. The council will give you a payment card that is similar to your rent payment card. Please be very careful when paying in this way to make sure that you do not pay Valleys to Coast your Council Tax.
Other things you need to know about Council Tax
Discounts
You may be entitled to Council Tax discount if:
- You live on your own, in which case your Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25%; or
- There are people living in your household who do not have to pay Council Tax. These include students and adults with learning disabilities.
- Council Tax Benefit is usually granted for up to a year. However, if your circumstances change during the year, you have a legal duty to tell the council straight away. If you are receiving benefit payments that you are not entitled to, you will normally have to repay any overpayment.
This is a brief guide. You should contact the Taxation Section of Bridgend County Borough Council for more help or advice.