Council Tax
How to pay your council tax
Unless you pay by direct debit your instalments are payable on or before the 15th of each month. Your first payment is usually in April followed by nine further instalments.
Payment Methods:
You can print a direct debit mandate to complete and return to us.
If you have lost your card please email us at ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk or telephone (01656) 643391 for a replacement.
Send your cheque made payable to Bridgend County Borough Council to:
If you require a receipt you must enclose a stamped addressed envelope don't forget to quote your council tax reference number
Alternatively, you can phone the newly introduced telephone payment system on (01656) 642088. |
Council tax bands
Your property has been placed in one of 9 valuation bands based on its open market capital value as at 1st April 2003. The bands are:
£44,001 and up to £65,000 | |
If you are unhappy about your new ban you must in the first instance contact the Valuation Office Agency on their helpline number 0845 6001748
Banding appeals
You can appeal if you think your property is in the wrong band but the rules for appealing are strict. No appeals are allowed based on the general movement in house prices and you must appeal within six months of purchasing the property. You will have to show that there has been a misunderstanding over the value of your property. All enquiries should be directed to:
Valuation Office Agency website http://www.voa.gov.uk/ |
NOTE: Making an appeal does not allow you to withhold payment of your council tax. An adjustment will be made if your appeal succeeds.
Council tax benefit
Council tax benefit will help people on low incomes to pay their council tax bills, for instance if you are claiming JSA/IS or if your income is below a certain level. To receive this benefit you must apply to the council direct. Please email benefits@bridgend.gov or telephone (01656) 643396 for more information. Please note that you are not entitled to withhold payment of council tax while your claim is being assessed.
Council tax by property band for 2008/9
What happens if you don't pay?
If you fail to make payment by the due date a reminder may be issued. Reminders must be paid within seven days or the full amount outstanding becomes payable. If the full amount isn't paid then a summons may be issued whereupon costs will be charged.
If you have difficulties in making your payments please contact us immediately to discuss the situation.
Discounts
If only one adult lives in a property a discount of 25% can be awarded. If you are the only person aged 18 years and over at your property and you do not currently receive a discount please email the council tax office at ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk or telephone on (01656) 643391 for further information.
The following categories of people may be disregarded for council tax purposes and therefore a discount of 25% - 50% may be available.
If you think you may qualify for a reduction please email the council tax office at ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk or telephone on (01656) 643391 for further information.
Exemptions
Some dwellings are exempt from council tax. If the council has classified your dwelling as exempt then your bill will show a code giving the reason and the period of exemption. The codes are as follows:
You must inform us of any changes in circumstances that may affect your entitlement to an exemption. If you think you may qualify for an exemption please email the council tax office at ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk or phone (01656) 643391 for more information.
Disablement relief
If you or someone who lives with you needs a room or extra space as a result of a disability, you may qualify for a reduction in your council tax bill. This reduction would assume that your home had been placed in the valuation below that shown in the list. Band A properties will receive a discount equivalent to 1/9th of a Band D property.
If you think you may qualify for a reduction please email the council tax office at ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk or phone (01656) 643391 for further information.
Moving house
The name and address of your landlord if either property is rented or the name and address of the solicitors used if sold/purchased. |
Contact us at the Taxation Department, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB. Tel: (01656) 643391 or email ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk
Complaints
If you have any complaints regarding your council tax account please contact us direct to discuss the issue. We aim to resolve all complaints effectively and efficiently. If we cannot resolve the matter to your satisfaction there is a formal complaints procedure, further details of which can be obtained from our offices.
Business rates
Business rates are paid by most non-domestic properties. Certain types of property are excluded such as farm buildings and churches. | |
Some properties are charged both business rates and council tax - these properties are classed as 'composite' e.g. a shop with a flat above. | |
All monies collected by each Welsh authority are paid to the National Assembly for Wales who in turn redistributes the income back to local authorities on the basis of population | |
The amount you pay is based on the rateable value of your property and the 'multiplier' set by the National Assembly for Wales. | |
The Welsh Assembly Government has published a guide to business rates which is available in both Welsh and English by following the link HTTP://artois/Contribution/groups/public/documents/marketing/008105~1.pdf> or HTTP://artois/Contribution/groups/public/documents/marketing/008109~1.pdf |
Rateable Value
By visiting the council offices in person:
Or visit the website at voa.gov.uk |
Multiplier
The National Assembly for Wales sets the rating multiplier every year and is the same for the whole of Wales. Except in a Revaluation Year it cannot rise by more than the rate of the increase in the retail prices index. The multiplier for 2005/06 is 41.2p and in order to find out how much you pay you multiply you rateable value by the multiplier.
Unoccupied Property Rating
Owners of unoccupied non-domestic properties may be liable to empty property rates, which are charged at 50% of the normal liability. Liability begins after the property has been empty for three months. Certain types of property, for instance factories and warehouses, are exempt from empty property rates.
Charitable and Discretionary Relief
Charities are entitled to relief from rates on any non-domestic property that is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes. Relief is given at 80% of the rate bill. Billing authorities have the discretion to remit all or part of the remaining 20% of a charity's bill on such property and can also give relief in respect of property occupied by certain bodies not established or conducted for profit.
Rural Rate Relief
From April 2002 occupiers of qualifying businesses with a rateable value of £6,000 or less (£9,000 if the business is a public house or petrol station) appearing in a billing authority's rural settlement list are entitled to rate relief at 50% of the full rates bill. Billing authorities have discretion to remit all or part of the remaining 50%.
Authorities also have discretion to remit all or part of the rates bills on other property in a settlement on the rural settlement list if the rateable value is £12,000 or less and the authority is satisfied that the property is used for a purpose which benefits the local community.
Contact us
Contact us at the Taxation Department, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB. Tel: (01656) 643391 or email ctaxen@bridgend.gov.uk
