Every home in the UK is assigned a council tax valuation band. This band determines how much council tax each household must pay, which contributes to public services and maintenance in the area.

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What this guide is for

Register to your council when moving

Council tax is a fee almost all UK residents pay to their local authority(the council). The tax is based on the value of your home and the area you live in.


While everyone has to pay Council tax, there are some discounts and exemptions available. For example, full time students are usually exempt from paying, and single occupants receive a 25% discount.

Preparation

Your council tax to do list

Getting started

How to register to your local council

Your council will need the following details to register with them when you move into the area:

 

  • Your first and last name

  • Your marital status

  • Your date of birth

  • Your full address

  • Whether the property is rented or purchased, furnished or unfurnished

  • The names and ages of all adults living with you in the property

  • Your UK bank account details in order to set up a monthly direct debit if this is your preferred method of payment

  • Your exact move-in date (which may be different from the lease start date)

Receiving your opening bill

Registering with your council and receiving your first bill typically takes 4-6 weeks. This can cause delays to things like registering with local schools or applying for restricted parking.

 

Administration errors, or failing to provide the correct details can delay this process even more. Our team of Connections Experts can handle your registration for free, making sure you get your bills as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Sign up today to get your council tax sorted.

How to pay council tax

You can pay your council tax by direct debit, phone or pay in person.

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Understanding council tax

How is council tax calculated

All homes are given a council tax valuation band by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The band is based on the value of your home on 1 April 1991 – or what it would have been if your property was built after this date.

The band your property falls into determines how much tax you’ll pay. Council tax rates are updated each year on April 1st, the start of the tax year.

Your council tax bill will be based on the band your property is and which local authority area you live in. You can check how much you have to pay this year using our handy Council tax bill calculator. All you need is the borough you live in and your tax band.

What does council tax pay for?

Council tax pays for essential local services, as well as the maintenance of shared public facilities, including local police and emergency fire services, road maintenance, social care, waste management, libraries and administration work such as keeping records of births, marriages and deaths in the area.

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Questions about our service

Is this service free?

Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.

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