Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about council tax. Download a copy of the 2011/12 Council Tax booklet below.

How much has my bill gone up by?

Council tax has been frozen for the second year running despite the fact that the council is facing £39m central government cuts this year. Details of this year's council tax charges can be found on the How Much To Pay page.

How can I pay my bill?

Direct debit is the easiest way to pay. Spread your payments over 12 months and pay on a day that suits you by choosing one of four payment dates. Plus, sign up to direct debit by 14 July and you could win £25,000 as part of a London-wide draw! To sign up just visit the Direct Debit page or call 020 7527 2633.

Other methods of payment are shown on the back of your bill and on the How To Pay page. These payments must be received by the first of each month.

I already pay by direct debit. Do I need to do anything?

If you already pay by direct debit, you do not need to do anything – your bill is just to let you know what your charge is for this year.

How can I keep track of my council tax bill?

You can sign up to My eAccount – this new online council service allows you to manage, view and pay your council tax all in the one place. To register visit www.islington.gov.uk/myeaccount

Who must pay council tax

A person over the age of 18 responsible for the home they live in is usually responsible for paying the council tax.

HMO Tenants who live in a property with their own room and tenancy agreement but share facilities are not responsible for the council tax, it is the responsibility of the owner. Even if the owner does not live in the property they have to pay the council tax.

Students – if all the tenants in a property are students, the property is usually exempt from council tax. There are certain rules that apply in this case and all the students must provide a student certificate from their college for the exemption to apply.

Joint tenants – if a property is rented out to more than one person but there is only one rent charge for all of them and they are all named on the same tenancy agreement, then all the tenants are responsible for paying the council tax.

Am I entitled to any other discounts or exemptions?

Some people are entitled to other discounts, with the most common being:

• Single person's discount – if you’re the only person aged over 18 living in your home, you should receive a 25% discount.
  
• Students – if you are a full-time student, either living on your own or with other full-time students, you are exempt from paying council tax.
• Older person's discount – there is a £100 council tax discount for households where the taxpayer, or their partner, is 65 or over on 1 April 2011. In addition to this, the tax payer needs to be an Islington resident on 1 April 2011.

For more information visit the Discounts and Exemptions pages. To claim your discount if it’s not already on your bill, call 020 7527 2633.

I am currently receive council tax benefits but this does not seem to be in my bill?

If you receive council tax benefits and it has not appeared on your bill, contact our Benefits team on 020 7527 4990.

I’m on a low income. Can I get any help to pay my bill?

If you are on a low income, receive Job Seeker’s Allowance or Income Support, you may be entitled to help with your council tax. You can download an application form on our Council Tax and Housing Benefits pages or collect a hard copy from your Area Housing Office. Alternatively, call the Benefits team on 020 7527 4990.

My property is empty, do I have to pay council tax?

If your property is currently empty and unfurnished or uninhabitable you may be entitled to an exemption. We may also be able to help you bring your empty property back into use. For more information call us on 020 7527 6080.

What can I do if I think my property is in the wrong band?

If you feel that the banding applied to your property is incorrect, you should contact the London Central Group, Valuation Office.

E: londoncentralgroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk
W: www.voa.gov.uk
T: 03000 504 650

Please remember that you are still required to make your council tax payments while your appeal is being considered.