Cheshire West & Chester Council logo

Do it online.

Report it, pay for it, find it

Council Tax frequently asked questions

How is the Council Tax made up?

There are three main elements to the Council Tax bill:

Please note: bills for 2012/2013 will show a Cheshire West and Chester Special Expense charge. For more information on Special Expenses, please refer to pages six and seven of the Council Tax and Business Rates Guide 2012/2013 (PDF, 1307kb).

If you live in a parish area that raises money through Council Tax then the parish precept will also be included in the charge. Details of charges are available in the following document: Council Tax Charges 2012/2013 (PDF, 46KB).

Where does the money go?

Of the total amount you pay only 85% goes to Cheshire West and Chester Council, 10% goes to the Police and 5% goes to the Fire Authority.

How does the Council Tax compare with 2011/2012?

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s average charge has reduced by 0.25%. However although the introduction of Special Expenses in 2012/2013 does not raise any extra money for the Council, taxpayers will see some impact on their bills. In many parts of the borough taxpayers will see a small reduction but in some areas taxpayers will see a small increase.

I would like more information about the increases?

Any questions about budget increases should be directed to:

How will Cheshire West and Chester Council spend the money?

Details of Cheshire West and Chester's spending plans for 2012/12 are provided in the Council Tax and Business Rates Guide 2012/2013 (PDF, 1307kb).You will have received a copy with your bill.

I have sent a payment and it does not show on my new annual bill?

Your annual bill only reflects payments received up to and including Thursday 23rd February 2012.

If you have a query relating to your bill please contact our Council Tax department on 0300 123 7022.

How do I notify the Council Tax Department that I am moving home?

Please contact the Council Tax department on 0300 123 7022 to notify us of any change in your circumstances. Alternatively, you can inform us using our online change of address notification.

I am unable to pay on the 2nd of the month as I do not get paid until the end of the month

We are unable to change the payment date to suit individual needs but if you would prefer to pay by direct debit then there is a choice of five payment dates:  2nd, 9th, 15th, 20th and 28th. 

If you would like to pay by direct debit and have your bank details with you then please contact the Council Tax department on 0300 123 7022.

I would like to pay my Council Tax by Direct Debit

If you would like to pay by direct debit and have your bank details with you, please contact the Council Tax department on 0300 123 7022. Alternatively, you can print and complete a Direct Debit Mandate (PDF 137KB)  and return it to the Council Tax Department, PO Box 187, Ellesmere Port,CH34 9DB.

I would like to pay my Council Tax by standing order

Please contact us on 0300 123 7022 to arrange to have a standing form and a new bill sent to you. This should be completed with your bank details and sent directly to your bank. Please ensure that the bank have sufficient time to set up the standing order so that the first payment is made in accordance with your bill.

What is the bar code for at the top of my bill?

The barcode contains your council tax account details which enable you to make payment at a post office or any retail outlet that displays the Pay-Point sign.

There is a sequence of numbers below the barcode on my bill, what is this?

The sequence of numbers contains your council tax number and some banking details. This will allow you to make a payment at a post office or any outlet showing the Pay-Point sign even if they do not have a bar code reader as they can manually input this reference.

I would like you to send me a payment card

Unfortunately we do not issue payment cards any more.

It was decided to discontinue payment cards as they were too expensive to produce and we were unable to justify spending council tax payers’ money on this facility.

You can still pay your Council Tax by taking your Council Tax bill to the Post Office or a Pay-Point outlet who can take your payment.

What does the message at the bottom of the bill mean?

Council Tax payers can now receive electronic, paperless bills. If you would like to recieve your bill electronically, please contact us by email only, at  electronicbills@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk  quoting your account reference as shown on your bill.

You can now register to access your Council Tax account information online using our eCitizen self service facility. You can view details of your Council Tax bill and see any payments made, amounts due and any correspondence we have sent to you.

Why have you sent me a reminder?

You haven't paid the instalments requested on your Council Tax bill.

Why have you sent me a bill requesting instalments when I'm on Income Support?

This may be because you have not been granted full Council Tax benefit; perhaps because a non-dependant is living with you or you have not submitted your application form on time. For further advice contact our benefits section on 0300 123 7021.

If I have paid too much council tax, can I claim a refund?

Yes, if your account is in credit, you may request a refund of the overpayment. We can send you a cheque, pay it directly into your bank account or carry the credit forward to reduce the following year's council tax.

I am in arrears with my Council Tax. What help is available?

One quick call to 0300 123 7022 and in five minutes you could have the solution. The call is only charged at the local rate. Trained staff are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Outside these hours you can leave a message for a confidential call-back. There is help - whatever the problem.

For further information on the collection of unpaid council tax, please refer to the Cheshire West and Chester Collection of Council Tax Code of Practice (PDF, 140KB).

Why have you sent me a summons for the whole year when I've got until March next year to pay it?

You have the right to pay by instalments (usually from April - January), but if you do not pay the instalments you will be sent a reminder and if the amount is not paid within 14 days the right to pay by instalments is lost, and the full amount outstanding for the year becomes payable immediately.

Why have I incurred costs when I can't even pay my original debt?

Costs cover the extra expense the Authority incurs, for example: correspondence, postage, court costs etc.

What action will the Authority take if I don't pay the amount on the summons?

What powers does a Liability Order give the Council?

The Council can demand information from you about your employment and earnings to help them decide how to recover the debt.

These can include:

It is best if you can make an arrangement to pay the outstanding balance.

Please contact our Council Tax recovery section on 0300 123 7022.

What if I am still unable to pay?

The Council may apply to the Magistrates' Court for a warrant committing you to prison. The Council will only take this step when other efforts have failed and when they have unsuccessfully tried to levy distress. Before issuing a warrant of commitment the Court must hold a means enquiry with you present, and they will determine if you have refused to pay or have been unable to pay.

Will you withdraw the costs if I pay the bill in full?

No, unless for some reason they have been incorrectly incurred.

Why don't you chase the hundreds who don't pay?

Every registered tax payer who has arrears will be subject to some form of recovery action.

How to get in touch with us

Staff in our Council Tax department are happy to help with any query you have about your tax. You can reach us by email, post or telephone:

Listen to this page

Rate this page

Cheshire West & Chester Council, HQ, Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NP