Council tax instalments and what happens if I can't pay

Council tax is charged on a yearly basis from 1 April to 31 March.

It can be paid in three ways:

• in 10 monthly instalments starting in April and ending in January with no instalments in February or March
• as 12 monthly instalments if you pay by direct debit - see Pay your Council tax
• as a single lump sum before the end of April

Moving into a property

If you become due to pay Council tax after 1 April, we will calculate the portion of Council tax due to the following 31 March.  Again, you can pay by instalments to January (or March if direct debit) or lump sum.

You must let us know quickly if you move into a property so we can set up an account and ensure you have the maximum number of months to pay.

Moving out of a property

If you move out of a property or if your responsibility ends before the 31 March, the charge is calculated from 1 April (or date liability started if later) until the date liability is ended. This may not necessarily be the same date as you move out. A bill for any balance due, once any payments made are taken into account, will be sent to you. This amount must be paid as a single lump sum within a month of issue.