Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Council Tax 2010/2011 - Questions and Answers

What is the overall Council Tax increase for 2010/11?            

The increase excluding parishes is 2.20%, however if you are liable for a parish charge the overall percentage increase in your bill may be slightly different.

How is this broken down?                                                     

Stockton Council increase is 2.0% - an increase of 31p per week over last year for a Band A property

Parish charges are variable

The Fire Authority increase is 3.9%

The Police Authority increase is 2.94%

Police and Fire Precepts - how does it affect the amount of Council Tax I pay?                                                                             

Local Government Finance is structured so that it requires the Council to collect the Council Tax charge levied by both Cleveland Police and Fire Authorities. The Council is aware of the impact of any increase on local Council Tax payers, but is still obliged to bill and collect it .

Stockton Council has no capacity to influence the Police and Fire Authority Council Tax charges set.

Police Authority enquiries - 01642 301653

Fire Authority enquiries - 01429 872311

What are the 2010/2011 year charges?                              

Click here for a full breakdown of this years charges.

You have shown efficiency savings on my bill, what are they?

Efficiencies are achieved when Council's improve or maintain services whilst reducing costs.  The savings have been used in the budget setting to keep Council Tax at the lowest amount possible whilst delivering new and better services.

Why is my council tax benefit not showing on my council tax bill?                                                                                                          

The new years benefit entitlements should be showing on all accounts where claims have been approved.  Around the time you receive your new council tax bill all claimants will receive a notification of entitlement letter from the Benefits Service. If your benefit has not been awarded you can call a Benefits Advisor on 01642 393829.

Why does my new bill show I have an amount owing from previous years?

The Council is required to show all balances which remain outstanding when the new bills are processed.  The balance was calculated as at 24th February 2010, if you have paid the amount since this date you can ignore the message.  If you have an instalment due after 24th February please continue to pay as billed, any direct debits to be collected after 24th February will be collected as previously advised.

Can I change my method of payment to direct debit?                 

Call 01642 397108 and a paperless direct debit will be set up immediately via the telephone.  Alternatively, if you prefer you can print a copy of the direct debit mandate by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page, complete it and send it to the address shown on the form. 

I am a direct debit payer. Can I change my payment date?

Yes. You now have a choice of 4 payments dates for council tax - 1st, 5th, 15th or 28th of each month.

To change your collection date please check that your bank account details are the same then get in touch with us using the contact details on the right of this page