Question: Am I entitled to Council Tax benefit?

Answer: The following people, who are liable for Council Tax, may claim Council tax Benefit:

• Council Tenants
• Private Tenants
• Owner/Occupiers
• Any other person liable

Most people will be eligible to claim benefit, dependent on their circumstances, but benefit will not be awarded to help people pay in respect of second homes. In the cases of couples, one partner will claim on behalf of both and entitlement will be calculated on joint incomes and deducted from the household bill. The amount of Benefit allowed will be calculated after the award of any discounts.
You should claim Council Tax Benefit as soon as you think you need help with payment of your Council Tax. Benefit is normally paid from the Monday after the date we receive your claim form.

View Housing and Council Tax Benefit information

Question: Can I claim benefits?

Answer: You can claim Council Tax Benefit if you have to pay council tax and you are on a low income.

Question: Council Tax Benefit does not cover my full charge and I cannot afford to pay the difference. Is there anything else I can claim?

Answer: We can make extra payments for people who need extra financial assistance with their rent and Council Tax in cases where Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit does not meet the full value of their rent or council tax.

Question: How do I claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit?

Answer: To claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit you must apply in writing. Although your claim can be in any form, we will ask you to complete an application form.

Question: How do you report a council tax cheat?

Answer: The Council is committed to detecting and preventing abuse of the Council Tax and Housing Benefits System. This is the responsibility of our Inspection Service within the Revenues and Benefits Service. You can report a suspected fraud on the Benefit Fraud Hotline 01332 367635 or email us at inspectionservice@derby.gov.uk

Question: How long will it take to process my application for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit?

Answer: We try to process your claim as quickly as possible. Your claim may take longer if we have had to request further information or there is a considerable amount of post received within the office. However, if we are aware of eviction proceedings against you then we will try our best to prioritise your application.

Best Value Performance Indicators measure our average processing times and we publish these each month on our website.

Question: How much benefit are you entitled to if you are eligible? Does it differ for each person?

Answer: The level of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is assessed by comparing your Net Income with your Applicable Amount. This is a standard amount set by the Government and it is the amount which the law says you need for day to day living expenses. This will vary depending upon your circumstances.

Use our online benefits calculator

Question: I have received my Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit decision and am not satisfied with the outcome. What can I do about it?

Answer: If we have made a decision about your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and you think it is wrong. You can either:

• Ask us to explain it
• Ask us to look at it again, or
• Appeal to an independent tribunal

There are time limits for asking for decisions to be looked at again and for appealing.

Question: I receive Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit but will be absent from my home. Do you need to know?

Answer: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can normally only be paid for accommodation that you occupy as your normal home. If you are temporarily away from your home, in certain circumstances Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can still be paid. You can be absent for up to 13 weeks as long as there is an intention to return to the property and you will not be sub-letting your property whilst you are away.In some circumstances you can be absent for up to 52 weeks.

Question: I think somebody I know is fraudulently claiming benefit, who do I tell?

Answer: The Council is committed to detecting and preventing abuse of the Benefits System. This is the responsibility of our Inspection Service within the Revenues and Benefits Service. You can report a suspected fraud on the Benefit Fraud Hotline 01332 367635 or e-mail us at inspectionservice@derby.gov.uk

Question: I'm on Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit and I have another adult moving in with me. Will this affect my award?

Answer: Adults who normally share your accommodation with you but are not dependent on you for financial support are referred to as Non-dependents. A deduction of benefit may apply and will be based upon the income of the claimant and the person moving in.

Question: If I report fraudulent activity will I remain anonymous?

Answer: Yes, The Council has a confidential hot line. Telephone : 01332 367635. Alternatively, you can write anonymously or call the section direct. Just tell the officer that you wish to remain anonymous. Telephone : 01332 255860.
The more detail we receive about the fraud the better chance we have of proving it. Sometimes anonymous callers provide sketchy or incomplete details so it helps if we can refer back to the person making the referral. We always keep the source of our referrals confidential if they have come from a member of the Public or if we are specifically asked to do so.

Question: What are Housing and Council Tax Benefit?

Answer: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are national benefits which local councils pay out on behalf of the government. Derby Benefits works out these benefits for people who live in Derby. Housing Benefit is a benefit based on your income that gives cash help towards your rent. Council Tax Benefit is a benefit based on your income that gives cash help towards your Council Tax. .

View Housing and Council Tax Benefit information

Question: Who do I contact for disability benefits information?

Answer: The Department of Work and Pensions administer welfare benefits. Telephone the benefits enquiry line on 0800 882200 or text phone 0800 243355

You could also contact Derby Advice on 01332 256552.

Question: Will I be notified of the decision of my claim for benefit?

Answer: Yes. Once a decision has been made on your entitlement to any Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit we will automatically send you a decision notice. The letter will tell you:

• The date we have started your entitlement from
• The period we will award the entitlement for
• The weekly amount of your entitlement.
• The income and capital/savings we have used to calculate your entitlement
• The minimum income the Government states you need to have coming in for you and your families daily living expenses ( this is called your applicable amount)
• Your Rights of Appeal should you not be happy with the decision that has been made.

Question: Am I entitled to a Council Tax discount?

Answer: The full council tax bill is calculated on the assumption that two or more adults live in the property. Some people, such as carers and student nurses can be disregarded. You can get a 25% discount if you are the only adult living in the property and a 10% discount if no one lives there. In certain circumstances you may still be able to claim 50% discount.

View more information on Council Tax discounts

Question: Am I entitled to an exemption from Council Tax?

Answer: Some properties are exempt and there is no tax to pay.
Properties are exempt for up to six months if they are:

• Empty and unfurnished
• Empty and are newly built or have had major structural repairs or alterations
• Empty after probate or letters of administration have been granted

 View more information on exemptions

Question: Am I entitled to Single Person Discount on my Council Tax?

Answer: You are entitled to a 25% discount if you are the only adult living in the property.
Complete our online Single Person Discount application form.

Question: Can you give me information on methods of paying my Council Tax?

Answer: You can pay by cash, crossed cheque, debit card, credit card, postal order, direct debit, swipe card, telephone, standing order or online.

Pay your council tax online

Question: I live on my own. Do I have to pay full council tax?

Answer: No. You are entitled to at least 25% discount. Complete our online Single Person Discount application form

Question: Do I have to pay full Council Tax if my house is undergoing major repairs?

Answer: A property undergoing major structural repair works is exempt from Council Tax for up to one year.

View more information on exemptions

Question: Do I have to pay full council tax when my property is empty?

Answer: Generally there is no charge for the first six months if the property is empty and unfurnished. After this time there is a charge of 90%.

Question: How long does discount on Council Tax last?

Answer: A discount will continue as long as you entitled to it. If your circumstances change you should notify us as soon as possible.

View more information on Council Tax discounts

Question: How much Council Tax do I have to pay?

Answer: Each property is given a Band by the Valuation Office. The council tax charge is based on this band. You can get a full list of charges in Derby by viewing our Banding and Charges page.

Question: How much is the council bill for the property I am living in, and what band is that?

Answer: You can find out what band a property is in from the the Valuation Office website. The charges for each band are shown on the Council's own website on the Banding and Charges page.

Question: I am a full time student at Derby University, my husband only works 16 hours a week, am I entitled to council tax relief?

Answer: As a full time student you will be entitled to a council tax discount. Please send details of your course title and course dates to council.tax@derby.gov.uk You may also be entitled to Council Tax Benefit based upon your joint income and circumstances.
Our online benefits calculator will help you find out if you qualify.

Use our online benefits calculator

Question: I am disabled. Can I get a reduction in my council tax?

Answer: You may be able to have your Council Tax reduced if a disabled person is living in the property. To get a reduction the property must have one of these:

• A room, that is used mainly by the disabled person and is required for meeting their needs. For example, the treatment of an illness or condition. A downstairs living or sitting room used also as a bedroom no longer applies.
• An additional bathroom or kitchen that is required to meet the needs of the disabled person. This needs to be a full bathroom not just an additional toilet, or
• Adaptation for wheelchair access or use.

The reduced Council Tax is given by charging as if the property was in the next lower valuation band. For example, if the property is actually in band C, we charge the tax as band B. From 1 April 2000 homes in band A were also allowed a reduction.

Question: I am going back to university in March to do a full time course. Will I be entitled to any kind of discount in my council tax?

Answer: You are usually liable for Council Tax at your term time address. A property solely occupied by full time students is exempt from council tax. Full-time students are disregarded when we consider the number of people in the households. If there is one working adult and one full time student, the property is charged as though there were only one occupier and so attracts a 25% discount. A property left empty by a student who is studying elsewhere can also attract a full exemption from Council Tax. To get an exemption or discount you need to send us details of where you are studying and which course you are undertaking.

Question: I am moving into a newly built property, what will the Council Tax band be?

Answer: The valuation of domestic properties is undertaken by the Listing Officer at the Inland Revenue who is responsible for the valuation of domestic properties, notifications to the billing authority and maintenance of the valuation list. Visit Valuation Office website for more information.

Question: I am moving out of the area and would like to apply for a council tax rebate. How do I do this?

Answer: You should notify us immediately of any change of address. This will help us to calculate your correct charge as soon as possible. We will refund you any overpaid council tax.

Fill in our online change of address form  124Kb

Question: I have moved house and want to know how to transfer my payments. My new property is in a higher band so I will need a new bill.

Answer: Please give us details of your move by completing a change of address form. If you have moved within the same area, the Council will recalculate your charge and send you a new bill. If you pay by Direct Debit your payments will be amended automatically. If you have moved to a different area you should tell both the old and new local authorities about your move. Fill in our online change of address form  124Kb.

Question: I pay my council tax by direct debit, I believe there are 11 instalments in the year - which month is it where there is no payment?

Answer: There are usually ten instalments with the first due on 1st April and the last on 1st January. People moving into the area during the year, or those whose charge increases during the year sometimes get instalments extended into February or March.

Question: I would like to pay my council tax bill through the Council's website. How can I pay using this method?

Answer: You can pay using all major debit or credit cards by using Derby City Council's online payments service.

Question: I'm a single parent. Can I claim Single Persons Discount on my Council Tax?

Answer: You are entitled to a 25% discount if you are the only adult living in the property. Complete our online Single Person Discount application form

Question: If I am paying full council tax on a property under another council, will I get a discount on a second property?

Answer: You can get a discount on a second home or an empty property.

Question: My Council Tax band has been increased, why is that?

Answer: If the property you have just moved into has had substantial changes made to it such as extensions, the Valuation Office does not change the band straight away. Once the property is sold, you may find that the band has increased. You have the right to appeal to the Valuation Office.

Question: My Council Tax band is too high, can I appeal?

Answer: Yes. You can make a proposal to alter the band if you have moved to a property within the last 6 months or if your property has appeared on the valuation list in the last 6 months.
Please contact the valuation office. Their address is:

Valuation Office Agency (Derby)
St Peters House
Gower Street
Derby DE1 1JJ
Telephone 01332 710800
E-mail : eastmidlandsgroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk

Alterations can only be made to the list for:

• Material increases in value which will only apply to the new owner if the property is sold
• Material reductions in value, which will take effect immediately. (For example, if a motorway is built nearby)
• The property has become or ceased to be shared with a business property
• A property has been placed in the wrong band, or
• A valuation tribunal or high court orders a change in the band.

Question: My husband to be works away all week and lives on a caravan site Mon-Fri, when we move into our new home, will we be entitled to a discount in council tax?

Answer: Your new home will be classed as your husband's main residence so you would not get a council tax discount.
There may or may not be a second home charge made on the Caravan by the relevant local authority as well.

Question: We have just brought a property which needs a complete renovation inside and has no kitchen. Would I need to pay any council tax even though no one is living in the property?

Answer: A property can be exempt from Council Tax for up to a year if it is undergoing or in need of major structural repairs.
This can be assessed by a visiting officer. Properties that are empty and unfurnished are exempt for up to six months after which a 10% empty discount is awarded.

Please contact us at council.tax@derby.gov.uk or telephone 01332 255727 to make arrangements for an inspection or claim an exemption.

Question: What can I do if I cannot afford to pay my Council Tax?

Answer: If you have received a reminder, you should contact the Council Tax office on the number shown on the top of your bill to make an arrangement to pay. If you have received a summons, you should contact the Recovery department on the number shown.

Question: What do I do if I do not agree with the banding of my property?

Answer: The banding of each property is decided by the Valuation Office. If you wish to appeal against the banding you should contact the Valuation Office.

Valuation Office Agency (Derby)
St Peters House
Gower Street
Derby DE1 1JJ
Telephone 01332 710800

Question: What is the council tax charged for this year for the various bands?

Answer: The Council Tax for each band is shown on the Derby City Council website. You can get a full list of charges in Derby from the Banding and Charges page.

Question: What is the difference between an Empty home and a Second home in terms of Council Tax payment?

Answer: An empty home is a property which no-one lives in. A second home is one which you do not occupy as your main residence but may be used as family holiday accommodation or sometimes let out to tenants. If the property is let out as a holiday home for more than 20 weeks of the year, it should be Business Rated. Empty properties and second homes can attract different discount rates set by the local authority.

Question: Where can I make a payment?

Answer: You can make a payment at the Council House, Ground Floor, Corporation Street

Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
You can also make a payment at your local housing office. Opening hours vary. Contact your local office for more information or visit the Derby Homes website

Question: How do I find out the council tax band for my property?

Answer: Council Tax is based on the value of your property which is placed into one of eight valuation bands.
All domestic properties appear in the valuation list with details of the band in which they have been placed. The valuation list is available for public inspection at the Council offices during office hours.

You can find out what band a property is in by visiting the Valuation Office Agency website

Question: What can I do if I cannot afford to pay my Council Tax?

Answer: If you have received a reminder, you should contact the Council Tax office on the number shown on the top of your bill to make an arrangement to pay.
If you have received a summons, you should contact the Recovery department on the number shown.

Question: How do I make a complaint?

Answer: Contact us if you have a complaint about our service. We will respond to you within ten working days. You can make a formal complaint if you are still not satisfied. Ask at any Council office for a complaint form.

Question: How do I notify you of a change of address?

Answer: You should notify us immediately of any change of address. This will help us to calculate your correct charge as soon as possible.
You can complete our online change of address form 124Kb  now or print it out and fill it in later.

Question: When are the Council Offices open?

Answer: View the opening times for Council Tax or Benefit enquiries