Your information and how it is used

We will use the information you give on these forms, and in any supporting evidence you send us, to process and calculate your council tax. We will normally keep your records for up to seven financial years, and then they will be destroyed securely.

We may pass the information to other agencies or organisations such as the HM Revenues and Customs, as allowed by law.

We may check information you have provided, or information about you that someone else has provided, with other information we hold.

We may also get information about you from certain third parties, or give them information to:

• make sure the information is accurate;
• prevent or detect crime; and
• Protect public funds.

These third parties include government departments, local authorities and private sector companies such as banks and organisations that may lend you money.

We will not give information about you to anyone else, or use information about you for other purposes, unless the law allows us to.

The Council is the data controller for the purpose of the Data Protection Act. If you want to know more about what information we have about you, or the way we use it, please ask us.

Council Tax Direct Debit

Set up a Direct Debit to pay your Council Tax by monthly instalments.

Council Tax Support

Apply for a reduction in your Council Tax.

Change of circumstances

Let us know if your circumstances have changed

Change of address

Notify us if you are moving to or from a property within our area.

Reduction due to a disability

You may be able to get your bill reduced if your home has certain features which are essential, or of major importance, to the well-being of a person with a disability, whether an adult or child, who is resident in the dwelling.

Single Person discount

If you are the only person aged 18 years or older living at a property, you can apply for a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill.

Diplomats

A property where a diplomat is liable to pay the Council Tax is exempt. If the diplomat lives with another person who is liable to pay Council Tax, the diplomat is disregarded.

School and college leavers (under 20s)

If you are a school or college leaver, you may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes.

Non-British citizen – spouse of student

If you are not a British citizen, you're the spouse of or are dependent on a student and the terms of you being in the UK prevent you from taking paid employment or claiming benefits, you will be disregarded for Council Tax purposes.

Attachment of Earnings