Q. How can I pay the Council Tax?
Details are contained in the leaflet issued with the annual bill. Please ask for a copy of the leaflet.
Q. Can I appeal against the band on my property?
Yes in certain circumstances. For further information please contact the Valuation Office Agency (details above). If you make an appeal payment should continue to be made as on the bill issued.
Q. Are there any reductions available for Council Tax?
Yes, Discounts and exemptions. The charge can also be reduced due to low income (Council Tax benefit and second adult rebate).
Council tax is based on 2 adults being resident in the property. If only one person is resident they are entitled to 25% discount (see section on single person discount ).
If nobody is resident the bill may be reduced by 50%.
Certain properties could be 100% exempt even if they are occupied.
Certain people will not be counted towards the number of adults resident if they meet certain conditions, and are “disregarded”, which may result in 25% discount.
The person responsible for paying the bill can make the claim for discount/exemption
Please see separate section regarding Council Tax benefit and second adult rebate(for reductions in charge due to low income).
Details of the groups of people who may be “disregarded” for Council Tax purposes are listed in the leaflet sent with the annual bill. The leaflet also lists the circumstances in which a property may be exempt from Council Tax. Please ask for a copy of the leaflet.
Q. Am I entitled to Single Person Discount?
This will depend on the individual circumstances, we have to be sure that there is only one adult living at the property as their “sole or main residence”. For example:
a) Mother and son lived in the same property. The son is 30 years old. He leaves to live permanently elsewhere. Single person discount applies from when he leaves.
b) Husband and wife live in the same property but husband works away and so stays elsewhere for 5 nights per week. Single person discount does not apply as this is still his main residence.
Q. What do I pay Council Tax for?
Services such as libraries, police, fire. Details are included on the leaflet issued with the annual bill. Please ask for a copy of the leaflet.
Q. Do I still need to pay my Council Tax bill if I am dissatisfied with a service which the Council is responsible for (e.g. bin not emptied)?
Yes , Council Tax is still payable. You need to contact the department responsible for the service to resolve the problem.
Q. I have moved house, what happens regarding my Council Tax?
You need to complete a “Change of Circumstances” form to provide details such as when you left, details of sale, whether it is empty, where have you moved to etc. The charge will then be worked out to the day you cease to be responsible and an amended bill/ refund/transfer of credit will be arranged.
Q. When does my benefit start from?
Usually the Monday after the claim has been received.
If you think it should start earlier and you have good reason for not having put in the claim before, you can request that it be “backdated”. To do this you need to complete a separate “backdate request form”, but backdating is not guaranteed.
Q. I cannot send all the information now, what do I do?
Do not delay sending the claim in. The missing information can be sent separately but must be sent as soon as possible because we cannot work out your benefit without it.
Q. How will I know when the claim has been processed?
You will receive a letter of notification and an amended Council Tax bill will be issued if any benefit has been allowed.
Q. What do I do if my circumstances change?
You need to inform us within 1 month if there are any changes that affect your claim
e.g. changes to the money people in your home get, moving house, other changes such as you or your partner becoming a student. If you are not sure whether the changes affect your benefit, tell us anyway.
Q. Who can claim Second Adult rebate?
You may be able to claim second adult rebate if you have non-dependants living with you who are on low income. If you are excluded from receiving a 25% single person discount on Council Tax, due to non-dependants living in your household, you can apply for second adult rebate.
Q. What are the criteria regarding the non-dependants?
They must be aged 18 or over, not liable to pay rent to you and not jointly liable to pay Council Tax.
Q. How do I claim Second Adult rebate?
In the same way as for Council Tax benefit (see separate section on Council Tax benefit), but you will also need to provide proof of the non-dependant’s income.
Q. How much rebate will I get?
A maximum of 25% of the Council Tax bill, depending on the income of the non-dependant.
Q. If I have a question about my own Council Tax account who should I contact?
The customer services section on 0161 770 3939, or write to:
Council Tax Office
PO Box 4
Civic Centre
West Street
Oldham
OL1 1UH
E-mail: council.tax@oldham.gov.uk
We also have a 24 hour form request line 0161 770 3915.
Q. Who sets the Council Tax band on my property?
The Valuation Office Agency, an Agency of the Inland Revenue, 0161 245 4200, 17th Floor Portland Tower, Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD.
They can also be contacted by e-mail: manchestergroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk.
A full list of bands is available on their website at www.voa.gov.uk.
Q. How can I get assistance with my claim for Council Tax benefit and second adult rebate?
Contact Customer Services on 0161 770 3939, or write to the Benefits Office PO Box 4, Civic Centre, West St Oldham OL1 IUH, or e-mail: benefits@oldham.gov.uk. We also have a 24 hour form request line 0161 770 3915.
Further information on Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit, including application forms, is available on the Greater Manchester Benefits website.
Q. How much Council Tax benefit will I qualify for?
Claims are assessed on individual circumstances. You can ask the Customer Services section for a trial calculation to decide whether it is worth applying on 0161 770 3939 or visit the section at the Civic Centre foyer, West St Oldham.
To apply you need to complete a form and provide various items of evidence to support the claim:-
Ask for a “standard” benefit claim form unless you are in receipt of income support or job seekers allowance (income based ) in which case ask for an NHB10 claim form. You can obtain a form from customer services or by the 24 hour form request line: 0161 770 3915.
Further information on Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit, including a 'benefits calculator' and application forms, is available on the Greater Manchester Benefits website.
Q. I also want to claim for housing benefit, what do I do?
The claim is made on the same form.
Further information on Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit, including a 'benefits calculator' and application forms, is available on the Greater Manchester Benefits website.