Online billing guide to make Council Tax simple

An online guide featuring everything people need to know about their 2018-19 Council Tax bill has been launched by South Derbyshire District Council.

Bills will start to hit doormats this week and will feature full details of any outstanding balance and how to pay.

This year a leaflet allowing people to set up a Direct Debit will accompany posted bills, people can also set up a Direct Debit and pay online through the website at www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/waystopay or alternatively people can also call a 24-hour automated pay line on 01283 595865.

Those planning to make a payment at the Council’s Civic Offices will be required to do so by cash or card at one of two payment machines and will need their unique Council Tax reference number, which can be found at the top of their bill.

A full breakdown of how to understand your bill is now live at www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/yourbill.

Cllr Hilary Coyle, Leader of the District Council, said: “Annual billing is always a busy time of year in the Customer Services department at the Civic Offices, so we put together this online guide to help keep queues to a minimum and further improve the process for our residents.

“The easiest way for people to pay is to set up a Direct Debit, while they can also pay online or by calling the automated pay line at any time of the day.

“The Council is always looking at how it can use technology to make services more instantly accessible, and our new online Council Tax billing guide is yet another example of how we’re achieving this.”

The District Council is increasing Council Tax by 1.95 per cent for 2018-19, which is below the 3% Government guideline.

It means that a Band D property, taken as the average, will see an increase in South Derbyshire District Council’s precept of £3 to £159 per year in 2018-19.

The District Council’s precept accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total Band D bill of £1,700 in 2018-19 for South Derbyshire householders.

Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner also levy a precept and are increasing Council Tax levels for the coming year.

14 March 2018