Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions
You can find immediate answers to a range of questions about our services by following the links to the left. These pages include information on how to pay your Council Tax, reductions for students or disabled, property band enquiries or appeals and how to report a Change in your Circumstances.
Some of our Frequently Asked Questions are listed below but if you still can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us .
I have a Demand Notice, what is this?
A Demand Notice is your Council Tax bill.
Where is my payment book?
We do not automatically send out payment books for new accounts. If you require payment slips in order to pay at a Bank or at the Post Office, you must request payment slips by contacting us. Alternatively, please consider making your payment using any of the other methods that we offer as these are often cheaper and more efficient to administer.
Payment slips can take up to six weeks to be sent. While you are waiting for your payment slips you must make payments as advised on your bill. Failure to do so will result in recovery action being taken. There is no legal requirement for us to send you payment slips.
Why can we not pay in 12 monthly instalments?
The Council Tax Law state payments must be made over 10 monthly instalments from April to January.
Why must I pay my Council Tax as my rubbish has not been collected?
Council Tax is a contribution towards services provided, not payment for. If you are experiencing problems with regard to your rubbish collection, please contact Environmental Services on 020 8547 5560 or email them on waste.management@rbk.kingston.gov.uk. Making a complaint will not allow you to withhold or delay payment of your Council Tax. Failure to pay in accordance to your bill will result to recovery action being taken accordingly.
My home is new and has not been banded. Should I pay?
The Council cannot guarantee when your property will be banded, so we recommend that you make payments on account. Please contact the Council Tax Office so we can advise you of your Council Tax account number. You can make contribution payments until a bill is issued in accordance to the correct Council Tax liability from the date you moved into the property.
Are there any discounts for those over 60 years old?
Unfortunately we are unable to award any discount on age related basis. However if you are on low income and have savings of less than £16,000, you might be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. For further information please contact our Housing and Council Tax Benefits department on 020 8547 5198 or see Also See below.
An elderly relative is in hospital or a nursing home - what can I do?
We need to determine whether a discount or exemption will apply. If your elderly relative is intending to return home there is no discount or exemption applicable, and the Council Tax charge is due and payable in accordance to the bill issued to the customer. If your relative will not be returning home and is going to live in a nursing or care home please contact us.
A relative is in prison - is Council Tax still payable?
Discounts may be available in certain circumstances; please contact us for further advice.
How can I make a claim for benefits? I am on a low income, can I get help?
Follow the link to the Housing and Council Tax Benefits page (see Also See below)
How do I complain?
Follow the link to our Complaints page (see Also See below)
Who is my local councillor?
Follow the link to the Councillors page (see Also See below)