Council Tax FAQs

How do I contact the Council Tax Team?

You can contact the Council Tax & Benefit Service by telephone on 020 8430 2000, or by email at counciltax@newham.gov.uk, or by fax on 020 8430 1026.

If I have tenants, who is responsible for paying the Council Tax?

Normally the person living in the property will be responsible for paying the council tax, but there are instances where the landlord has to pay e.g. if the property is designated as a House In Multiple Occupation (HMO). If the property was originally constructed or subsequently adapted for occupation by multiple households; or each person who lives in it occupies only part of the building, share facilities and hold separate tenancy agreements e.g. as in some bedsits. For further information regarding who is liable for Council Tax view the 'Information for owners, managing agents and Housing Associations' web page.

If I'm receiving Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance, do I still pay Council Tax?

You would need to make a claim for Council Tax benefit, as it will not be given automatically. In the meantime you need to pay as billed to avoid recovery action.

I have moved into the borough, what should I do and how much will I pay?

You will need to contact the Council Tax & Benefit Service on 020 8430 2000 to advise us you have moved in, so we can register you for Council Tax and tell you what you need to pay. Alternatively, you can complete the on-line form 'Council Tax - Change of Address'. To see how much you need to pay you will need to view the band of the property you have moved into at the Valuation Office Agency website www.VOA.gov.uk and then check how much Council Tax is due for that band on the table found at the 'Council Tax 2009-2010' page.

Is there a discount if only one adult lives in a property?

If you are the sole occupant you are entitled to a 25 per cent single person discount. You can apply for the discount by completing the form 'Council Tax - single persons discount'.

Do I get a discount if the only other adult living at the property is a student?

If the other adult is a full time student you can claim a 25 per cent student discount but you need to complete a student claim form and provide a valid student certificate from the college or university.You can apply for the discount by completing the form 'Council Tax - student disregard form'.

I am over 60 years old, do I get a discount from Council Tax?

No, but if you are on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. See the 'Council Tax benefit' page for further details.

I pay full Council Tax elsewhere and this property is my second home, do I need to pay?

Yes but you can claim a ten per cent discount. You would need to prove that you are paying council tax elsewhere as your sole or main residence. If you are occupying the property as a condition of your employment you are entitled to claim a 50 per cent discount. Your contract of employment should confirm this.

I was told that students are exempt from Council Tax, so why do I have to pay?

Any person who is enrolled in a full-time course of education at a prescribed educational establishment can make a claim. It is not given automatically. The course must be one that requires you to attend for periods of at least 24 weeks in each academic year or in the case of educational establishments that do not have academic years, for at least one calendar year. You would normally be required to undertake periods of study or tuition to an average of at least 21 hours per week.

I used to share a property with two other people. I've moved out but I've recently been summoned. Do I have to pay?

The council can demand payment from any one of the three people up to the date when all three were jointly and severally liable. Anyone aged over 18, who shares the same legal interest in a property as another adult will be deemed to be joint and severally liable. Please note: from 1 April 2004 students will no longer be held jointly and severally liable with other people that have the same level of interest in the property as them, unless they are all students.

Why would I receive a summons if I've always paid my Council Tax?

Have you paid late? Monthly instalments must be paid on or before the due date. If you fail to pay by the due date, a reminder notice will be issued giving 7 days to bring the instalments up to date. If no payment is received a magistrates court summons for the full amount due will be issued.

I am going abroad for a few months, do I get a reduction in how much I need to pay?

No, the property will still be considered as your sole or main residence and no further reduction will apply.