Council Tax News

Council Tax change of circumstances - current processing

Due to a high volume of enquiries, there may be delays in updating your Council Tax account. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that we are working diligently to respond as quickly as possible. Refrain from sending duplicate enquiries. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Council Tax text, email and voice messaging service

We have introduced a new communication method from 21st August 2024 to notify our customers about late payments. We will be reaching out to customers via telephone, SMS and email to provide information on how to pay and the support available for those who may be struggling to pay. Visit Council Tax text, email and voice messaging service for more information.

Changes to council tax charges for empty properties from 1 April 2024

On 26 October 2023, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 received Royal assent giving billing authorities the ability to:

• charge a Council Tax premium on unoccupied and unfurnished properties after one year instead of two from 1 April 2024.
• charge a Council Tax premium on second homes (see below for definition) from 1 April 2025.

Cheshire East Council have made the decision to charge an additional 100% to properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for a continuous period of 1 year. Prior to 1 April 2024 the additional charge became due after a property had continuously been unoccupied and unfurnished for 2 years.

Below is a summary of the changes to the empty homes premium charge:  

• From 1 April 2024, properties that are empty for 1 year or more, the council tax charge will increase by 100% (double the usual bill).
• The premiums for properties that are empty for 5 or more, or 10 or more years, will remain unchanged.

Charges prior to 1 April 2024

Charges from 1 April 2024

Second Home premium

From 1 April 2025 a premium will be applied to properties that are classed as second homes.

For council tax purposes second homes are properties that are furnished but where no-one lives as their main residence.

HMRC / Council Tax scam 

We are receiving reports of an email HMRC/Council Tax scam. Be aware and be vigilant especially online. Do not give any bank details via email or over the telephone to cold callers. If you are suspicious report it at: gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails

We have changed our bank account from Barclays to Lloyds

If you pay by Direct Debit or Standing Order your payments will automatically go to our new bank account. 

Contact Council Tax

Council Tax enquiry form

If you're unable to use our forms or have any questions about your bill you can call the Council Tax Customer Service Team on 0300 123 5013 during normal office hours, 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

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