Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about council tax.

How much has my bill gone up by?

The increase in your council tax charge depends on several factors, including which council tax band you fall into. This year, your bill has risen by 1.9%. 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 and allows you to spread your payments over 12 months. If you pay by direct debit you will automatically be included in a monthly prize draw. For further information see the Direct Debit page.

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

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 the new charge is.

Am I entitled to any other discounts or exemptions?

Some people are entitled to other discounts. Full information is on page 12 of the booklet that came with your bill, but the most commonly applied discounts are:

• Single person discount
  If you’re the only person aged over 18 living in your home, you should receive a 25% discount. To apply for this discount visit our Discounts and Exemptions page, email council.tax@islington.gov.uk or telephone 020 7527 2633. Please remember, if someone else moves in, you need to let us know as it may affect the amount of council tax you pay.
• 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. You need to write to us with a copy of your student certificate. If there are people living with you who are not full-time students, they will still need to pay council tax.
• Older person discount
  This year the council has introduced a £100 annual council tax discount for households where the taxpayer, or their partner, will be over 65 on 1 April 2009. More information about the eligibility criteria is on our Discounts and Exemptions page. To claim your discount call 020 7527 2633.

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

If you receive housing benefits and this 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 or 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, telephone the benefits team on 020 7527 4990.

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

If your property is currently empty and unfurnished or uninhabitable you may be entitled to an exemption. A full list of exempt properties is on page 11 of the booklet that came with your bill. 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.

Tel: 020 7441 7000
Fax: 020 7441 7099
Email: londoncentralgroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.voa.gov.uk
Please remember that you are still required to make your council tax payments while your appeal is being considered.