Frequently Asked Questions

• Who has to pay the Council Tax?
• Does only one person have to pay for each dwelling?
• What do I get for my Council Tax?
• What happens if I move?
• How much do I have to pay?
• Can bills be reduced?
• What sort of dwellings are exempt?
• When will I get my bill and when will I have to pay?
• What if the bill is wrong?
• What if the amount I have to pay changes during the year?
• What if I have trouble paying the bill?
• What if I don’t pay?
• What action can the Council take?
• What powers does the liability order give the Council?
• What if I still do not pay?

Who has to pay the Council Tax?

Each dwelling has a Council Tax bill whether it is a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette, mobile home or house boat and whether it is owned or rented. The person who is liable  will depend on which description applies to your property from the list below

   (a) A resident freeholder (so for owner occupied property the owner is liable)
   (b) A resident leaseholder (this includes assured tenants under the Housing Act 1988)
   (c) A resident statutory or secure tenant
   (d) A resident licensee
   (e) A resident
   (f) The owner (this applies where the dwelling has no residents)

A “resident” is a person of 18 years or over who lives in the dwelling as  their only or main home

Does only one person have to pay for each dwelling?

In some cases more than one person is responsible for the bill. People who are joint owners or joint tenants are jointly liable. Spouses and partners of payer are jointly responsible for paying the bill if they live in the same dwelling. Students and people who are severely mentally impaired are not jointly liable

What do I get for my Council Tax?

The services that the council provides is summarised in the leaflet that was included with your Council Tax bill in relation to Hart District Council's portion of your bill. These include planning, refuse collection, street cleaning, environmental health, CCTV etc.

What happens if I move?

The Council Tax is worked out on a daily basis. If you move home you may stop being the liable person for your old property. You should inform us about your move so that we can make adjustments to your bill. This is very important if you are moving to a new council area as you may be eligible for a refund depending on how much you have already paid. You can do this by downloading the form on this site, emailing the details to revenues@hart.gov.uk or by telephoning the Revenues Services on 01252 774444.

How much do I have to pay?

The Council Tax is set by Hart District Council and depends on how much we, the Police Authority, Fire Authority, and Hampshire County Council plan to spend on services and how much we receive from the Government. The amount you have to pay (before any reduction) depends on which valuation band your property is in. The lower the value of your property the less you pay. Please look at the How Much Do I Pay page.

Can bills be reduced?

Bills can be reduced by

   (a) A discount   For example for homes in which there is only one adult
   (b) Council Tax Benefit   For people on low incomes
   (c) A reduction for disabilities   For homes adapted for a person with a disability

What sort of dwellings are exempt?

Some dwellings are exempt from Council Tax. See Exemptions page.

When will I get my bill and when will I have to pay?

You will normally receive your Council Tax bill in mid March. Bills are normally sent by post. The bill will tell you the amount you have to pay and how that amount has been worked out. The bill will also set out the amount of each instalment and the dates on which each one should be paid. Normally you will be offered ten instalments, although that number will be reduced if the bill is issued after the end of April.

What if the bill is wrong?

If you think the bill is wrong in any way you should tell us via emailing revenues@hart.gov.uk or by telephoning the Revenue Services on 01252 774444 immediately. Unless you make other arrangements with the Council, you must continue to pay the amounts set out in your original bill until you are sent a revised bill. If you still disagree, there is a formal appeal process which you can use. Please contact the Revenue Services 01252 774444 for details.

What if the amount I have to pay changes during the year?

If the amount of Council Tax you have to pay changes during the year, perhaps because your entitlement to a discount or benefit changes, you will get a new bill. This will tell you what the new amount for the year is, and what instalments you now have to pay.

What if I have trouble paying the bill?

As soon as you realise you have a problem paying your bill you should contact us by emailing revenues@hart.gov.uk or telephoning the Revenue Services on 01252 774444. We may be able to help you by rescheduling your payments. Do not ignore the bill completely; if you do not pay it and fail to agree any other arrangements with us, recovery action may be taken against you which could increase considerably the amount you have to pay.

What if I don’t pay?

If you miss a Council Tax instalment you will get a reminder notice giving you 7 days to bring your payments up to date. If you do not do so within the time allowed the council will start recovery action.

What action can the Council take if you don't pay?

The council can apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. You will be sent a summons telling you when the court will consider the application and the amount the council is seeking to recover. This will be both the outstanding amount of Council Tax plus the cost for making the application. You have the right to attend the court and offer evidence as to why the order should not be made. There is a separate process regarding appeals in respect of liability so these issues cannot be considered by the magistrates.

Even if you decide not to attend the court, you should contact us and we may be able to come to a reasonable arrangement with you for payment .

What powers does the liability order give the Council?

If the liability order is granted by the court, the council can demand certain information from you about your employment and earnings to help us decide how to recover the debt. The liability order allows the Council to take a variety of action to recover the debt and these include attachment of earnings and referring the matter to the bailiff. If it is necessary to take any of this action you may incur additional costs.

What if I still do not pay?

As a last resort, the council would apply to the magistrates’ court for a warrant committing you to prison.