Council Tax                                                                                 

*NOTE* The information on this page is intended as a GUIDE to give you some idea of what you MIGHT be able to claim.

Benefits and criteria often change so use the contact details and websites below to find out what you can claim.

[click here for useful contacts regarding Council Tax]

More on Council Tax. . .

Council Tax is a tax on domestic property (dwellings) and is the way in which people make a contribution towards the cost of local council-run services such as schools, street lighting, cleansing and libraries etc.

Every householder over the age of 18 has to pay council tax (whether you rent or own) but there are discounts and exemptions.

The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on the value of the property in which you live, compared with other properties in your area. If you do not agree with the valuation set on your home then you can appeal to the listing officer at your local valuation office. A list of these is available from the Council.

Paying your council tax.

You will receive your Council Tax bill at the beginning of each financial year (in April). You will normally be able to pay your bill in 10 monthly instalments. There will be one bill for each dwelling (house, flat etc.) and the person responsible for paying the bill will either be the owner/occupier (s) or the tenant(s). This includes council house tenant(s).

Your Council Tax will be reduced for homes in which there is only one adult and also if your home is adapted for someone with a disability.

If you have difficulty paying your bill, or you think you may qualify for Council Tax Benefit, or that you are entitled to a bigger rebate, then get in touch with the Council Tax Office or your nearest advice service, as soon as possible.

If you are not happy with the way your council tax has been worked out then you can appeal to your local authority. Most students who on studying on a Higher Education Course will not be charged for Council Tax.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

Council Tax Offices

Newcastle City Council
www.newcastle.gov.uk
Sandyford Road Entrance, Civic Centre, Newcastle
Council Tax Enquiries: Mon - Fri 8:30am – 4.30 pm.
Tel: 0191 277 7899


Gateshead Council
www.gateshead.gov.uk
Finance, Central Services, Civic Centre, Regent St. Gateshead. NE8 1HN
Council Tax Enquiries: Mon – Thu  8.45am – 5 pm,  Fri 8.45 am – 4.35 pm.
Tel: 0191 433 4646


South Tyneside Council
www.southtyneside.info
Gordon House, Gordon Street, South Shields
Council Tax Enquiries: Mon - Thu 9am – 4.30 pm,  Fri 9am – 4.00 pm.
Tel: 0191 427 9999

North Tyneside Council
www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Tel:0191 200 6400

City of Sunderland
www.sunderland.gov.uk
Entrance 5, Civic Centre, Sunderland SR2 7DN
Council Tax Enquiries: Mon - Thu 8:30am – 4.30 pm,  Fri 8am – 4.00 pm.
Tel: 0191 520 5501

Some useful websites are listed below:-

This link takes you to the A to Z of benefits with useful contact numbers where appropriate. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk/contact-us/contact-a-z.

Information about benefits and services you may be able to get and how to apply, including forms you can download. Visit this website at www.dss.gov.uk.

The place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information is www.direct.gov.uk.

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