Council tax
Council tax helps to pay for the services provided by London Borough of Bexley and the Greater London Authority.
There is one bill for each home, whether it is a house, flat, bungalow, maisonette, mobile home or houseboat, and whether it is owned or rented. The bill may be reduced by entitlement to discounts or other reductions.
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
The government has decided to abolish Council Tax Benefit and replace it with a new system called Council Tax Reduction Scheme (sometimes known as Council Tax Support), for which local councils will be responsible. The Council has now decided on the design of this replacement scheme, which will begin on 1 April 2013. For more information see the link to the left for Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Council Tax Technical Reforms
From 1 April 2013 the Government will be dispensing with some of the exemptions currently awarded to empty and second homes and will allow billing authorities flexibility on awarding discounts. It is hoped that these changes will encourage owners to bring new and improved properties back into occupancy sooner. Therefore properties undergoing major repairs - and short term and unfurnished properties - will no longer be eligible to receive an exemption.The Government is also allowing authorities to target properties that have remained empty for over two years by charging a premium of up to 50% above the full Council Tax.
The Council will also be reducing the current discount of 10% on second homes to zero. However, the Government has no plans to amend the 50% discount awarded to taxpayers who have a second home provided by reason of their employment.It should be noted that the Government will not be amending the regulations for properties that have become empty due to death and awaiting probate, or people needing or providing care. These cases, along with other categories, receive an exemption under a different class and will not be affected.
The changes are:
- The removal of the 10% Second Homes discount so that all non-job related homes are liable for full council tax;
- No discount on Class A exemption properties (undergoing major repairs);
- No discount on Class C exemption properties (short term empty); and
- The levy of a 50% premium on properties that have been empty for more than 2 years;
- Subject to the issue of the appropriate regulations by the Government, mortgagees in possession will be liable for Council Tax.
Please be aware that there is no right of appeal against this level of relief either within the Council or to any external independent body as this will be a matter of council policy which is allowed under council tax regulations. Your only route to challenge this policy would be by way of Judicial Review and recommend you seek independent legal advice before considering this option.
Instalments
The Government has decided to leave the default at 10 but has decided to grant council taxpayers the legal right to pay by 12 monthly instalments. If you wish to spread your payments over this period please let us know as soon as you receive the new Council Tax bill by emailing bexley.ctax@secure.capita.co.uk.
Online Services
You can now set up a direct debit, inform us about moving, make a payment or check your account simply by visiting the related link on this page.
Please note that the first time you access the site you will need to register and request a PIN to be sent to you by post, to protect your security, before you will be able to log in to see your council tax account and bills.
Receive your bill electronically
Did you know that if all taxpayers received their council tax bills online it would save 4.7 tonnes of paper? This is equivalent to 80 trees. Help save paper by getting your council tax bill online. Please select the related article to register.
