London Borough of Barnet

Council tax

Last two houses of a terrace

Council Tax is a contribution that you must make to help pay for local services.

There is one bill for each home, whether it is owned or rented. Part of the Council Tax goes directly to the Greater London Authority which pays for the police and fire authorities. The bill is based upon the capital value as determined on 1 April 1991 by the Inland Revenue's agency, The Valuation Office.

The amount of Council Tax that you have to pay is based upon this valuation and any discounts or exemptions that you may be entitled to.

Council Tax and Business Rates information booklet 2013/2014.

When will I be sent a new bill and booklet to pay the council tax?

New bills are sent out in March, so that they are delivered in time to start paying again from April.

You normally pay council tax from April to January in the following year. However taxpayers who only move into the borough after April may find that their instalments end in February or March.

The easiest and most reliable way to pay council tax is by Direct Debit. By choosing to pay by Direct Debit you can opt to pay on one of the 6 different option dates available, making payment of your council tax even easier.

Download a Direct Debit Form.

I cannot afford to pay the bill as I am on low income, is there any help available?

You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit in addition to any State Benefits you currently receive. From 1 April 2013, Council Tax Benefit is being abolished and replaced with Council Tax Support. Contact the Housing And Council Tax Benefits Section for advice and an application form on 020 8359 2111 or email benefits@barnet.gov.uk. There is also advice on the Benefits section of this website.