Annual billing FAQ's
Your annual Council Tax bill will be sent out by post in the week commencing March 10, telling you what you need to pay for the year ahead.
A leaflet allowing you to set up a Direct Debit will accompany the letter, but you can also pay online or by calling our 24-hour automated pay line on 01283 595865.
If you plan to make a payment at the Civic Offices in Swadlincote you will need to pay by card at one of our pay machines. The machines do not accept cheques. Please have your account number or bill to hand.
If you’d like to understand your Council Tax bill better then take a look at our Council Tax 2025-2026 guide. (pdf, 2.1mb)
FAQs:
Derbyshire County Council figure is a lot higher than last year?
The Adult Social Care element no longer has to be shown separately on your bill and is now inclusive in the County Council figure
Is my Council Tax being paid by Direct Debit?
If you pay by Direct Debit, it will show this as a method of payment where your instalments are shown. You do not need to do anything as your payments will continue automatically.
How can I set up a Direct Debit?
The easiest way is to go online at the web address above and complete the online form. Alternatively, if you do no have access to the internet you can contact customer services on 01283 595795.
My bill shows I have a credit (for example -£10) how do I get this?
You can contact customer services on 01283 595795 and ask for the credit to be refunded or alternatively if you pay by Direct Debit, please email ctaxnndr@southderbyshire.gov.uk quoting your Council Tax account number and ask for the refund.
What do I have to pay?
Payments are shown at the bottom of the bill indicating amount and frequency of payments.
Can I change my payment date/frequency?
Payment dates are 1st and 15th only. If you wish to change to 12 instalments, you must contact us by 15th March, we may have to change the payment date to accommodate. If you pay by Direct Debit, we may not be able to amend in time for the first payment, especially if 1st.
I think my Council Tax band is too high.
See the back of your bill for information relating to appeals.
My name is incorrect.
If your name is wrong as you have recently got married/changed name by Deed Poll, then please supply a copy of marriage certificate/deed poll letter. You can send this to ctaxnndr@southderbyshire.gov.uk. Please ensure you quote your council tax account number.
I have made a payment, but it still states I have arrears.
Any payments received by us after 28 February may not be shown on this bill but will be received on your account. Payments can take up to 3 days for us to receive them especially if paid at a Post Office/Paypoint.
What does my Council Tax pay for?
All expenditure by Precepting authorities is on the webpage shown at the top of this leaflet. However, a summary includes Education, Social Services, Environment, Police, Fire, Libraries, Highways, Refuse Disposal, as well as the normal District Council duties.
Why has my Council Tax increased so much?
Council Tax also involves the collection of revenue for other precepting authorities, i.e., County Council, Police and Fire Authorities and Parish Councils where applicable. Any queries should be directed to the relevant Precepting Authority or Parish council.
One of the people named on the bill is no longer living here.
If one of the persons named is no longer living at this address, then you will need to supply details of when and where they have moved to and if any other persons over the age of 18 also live at the property. Please email this information, quoting your Council Tax account number to ctaxnndr@southderbyshire.gov.uk
I informed you of a change, but it is not showing on my bill.
Any notification received after 16th February may not be shown on this bill as we are currently working on correspondence. You will receive a revised bill within 3 weeks. If you do not receive a new bill, please contact customer services on 01283 595795 or email as above.
How can I check what I have paid?
At the webpage given above there is a link to ‘Check your Council Tax balance’. There is a registration process, but you will then be able to view your account balance and payments received.