Council tax annual bills frequently asked questions

 
"How can I pay my council tax?"
 
  • By direct debit on the 1st, 8th, 15th or 25th of each month

    Set up direct debit in one of four ways:
    By doing it online
    Complete and return the direct debit form included with your bill
    By telephone on 01733 452258
    Visit our Customer Service Centre, Bayard Place, Peterborough
  • By debit card online or by telephone on 0800 3891977
  • By internet banking, BACS or bank giro credit to sort code 20-67-37, account number 10572918. Use your Council Tax account number starting with a 5 as a reference
  • Pay in person by taking your bill to any of the 50 plus retail outlets displaying the Payzone sign in the Peterborough area or any UK post office.
  • By post, send a cheque or postal order payable to PCC and quoting your account reference to: Peterborough Direct, Strategic Resources, Bayard Place, Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1FZ.

 

 

"My bill is not correct it does not reflect my current circumstances/my new address"
Changes made to your account since 1 March 2008 are not reflected in your annual bill. If your circumstances have changed since 1 March 2008, a new bill showing your new circumstances will be issued shortly.
 
"My bill is not correct it does not take my recent payments into account"
Payments made to your account since 1 March 2008 are not reflected in your annual bill
 
"I have applied for council tax benefit but I have still received a full bill"
Until your claim for council tax benefit is assessed, your council tax is payable as specified on the bill.
 
"I would prefer not to pay on the 1st"
Your council tax payments need to be received on or before the 1st of each month, as they are for the coming month ahead, not in arrears. You can change the payment date by paying by direct debit. Direct debits can be set up on 1st, 8th, 15th and 25th of each month.
 
If you fail to pay by the due date, further action may be taken, which could lead to extra charges being added to your bill.
 
"My house is empty do I have to pay council tax?"
You may qualify for an exemption depending on the circumstances. For further information please visit our council tax pages.
 
"I think my council tax is too high"
If you live alone, you may qualify for a single person discount. An application form can be downloaded from our council tax pages.
 
If you think the banding of your house is wrong, you must contact the Listing Officer at Cambridge Valuation Office, Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 2DU, either by post or by phone on 01223 431300.
 
If you are on a low income you may qualify for council tax benefit. Go to our online benefits calculator to see if you would qualify based on your circumstances.
 
Application forms for council tax benefit can be downloaded from the Benefit Forms page, or obtained by telephoning 01733 452241, or visiting the Customer Service Centre, Bayard Place.
 
"I don't think the council tax bill should be in my name"
If you think your council tax bill is incorrect you need to write in giving your reasons so we can look at your request in detail. If you disagree with the decision we make you have the right to appeal. However, please note: making an appeal against your council tax bill doesn't mean that you can stop paying. If you make an appeal that is successful, you will be entitled to a refund of any council tax that you have overpaid.
 
"My neighbour's bill is less than mine even though their house is the same as mine"
This could be due to any number of factors, from benefit entitlement and discounts to being in a different band or payments spread over a different term. You can check the banding of any property on the voa.gov.uk website.
 
"Why do I have to pay council tax if I don't use all the services?"
Council tax is a local government tax that is used to contribute towards the cost of paying for all of the services provided by the City Council. Further information on these services can be found in our council tax summary.
 
"Can I view my account online?"
Yes you can now choose to view your account online through our self-service webpages and have your correspondence emailed rather than posted. Visit our new self service page.
 
"I've lost my council tax bill what can I do?"
We can reissue a replacement bill if you've lost the original. Call the Council on 01733 452258 or email local.taxation@peterborough.gov.uk to let us know.
 
"I'm having difficulties paying my council tax what can I do?"
To discuss your situation and how we can help you pay your council tax, telephone the Council on 01733 452258. Getting in touch makes it far less likely that the Council will take legal action for non-payment of council tax.
 
"I'm moving house"
Call the Council on 01733 452258 or email local.taxation@peterborough.gov.uk to let us know about a change of address. As council tax is partly based on the value of your home, moving house may change the amount you have to pay.
 
 
If you have been unable to resolve your query, you can contact our offices:
 
Telephone: 01733 452258 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Post: Local Taxation, Town Hall, Peterborough PE1 1HQ
In person: Customer Service Centre, Bayard Place, Peterborough, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-5pm and Weds 11am-5pm