Liability (Who Pays and How to Pay)

The Council Tax

The council tax is a local tax set by local councils to help pay for local services.

There is one bill per dwelling

Houses, flats, bungalows, maisonettes, mobile homes and houseboats all count as dwellings provided that they are at least partly used for domestic purposes

Who pays the bill?

To work out who will have to pay for your home (or dwelling), look down the list below. As soon as you reach a description which applies to some one in your home, they will be responsible for the bill (and will be known as the ‘liable person’).

• a resident owner-occupier
• a resident leaseholder (this includes assured tenants)
• a resident statutory or secure tenant
• a resident licensee
• a resident
• the owner (this applies where the dwelling has no resident)

A ‘resident’ is a person of 18 years or over who lives in a dwelling as their only or main home. This means that owner-occupier(s) or resident tenant(s) will usually have to pay the tax. If the property is empty, or it is no-one’s sole or main home, the owner is responsible.

How much will the bill be?

The council tax is set each financial year, usually February. The amount set depends on how much we and other public bodies in our area spend and how much money we get from elsewhere. "Elsewhere" includes Government Grants and Business Rates.

Other public bodies include Wiltshire County Council, Wiltshire Police Authority and any Town/Parish Councils.

How can I pay?

There are various ways to pay your bill. Please click on the options below for more information. If you are having difficulty paying please click here for advice.

Online Payments

Click here to pay online with a debit / credit card using the Council's online payments service.

Direct Debit

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay your bill. You can choose which day of the month you would like the payment to be debited, and need never forget another payment! With direct debit, you remain in control and can cancel at any time. The direct debit guarantee ensures that you are fully protected (see below). If you would like to pay by direct debit, please contact us to request a form.

The Direct Debit Guarantee:

• The guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that take part in the direct debit scheme
• If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, West Wiltshire District Council will notify you ten working days in advance of your account being debited, or as otherwise agreed
• If an error is made by West Wiltshire District Council or your bank or building society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amounts paid
• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your bank or building society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us

You can obtain a direct debit form by clicking here. (PDF file, opens in new window).

Please print the form, complete and return to the Council Offices. (We regret we cannot accept online direct debit applications at present.)

Telephone Banking

If you prefer to pay this way, please quote your council tax account reference number and our bank details, which are as follows:

HSBC - Local Collection Account West Wiltshire District Council

Sort Code 40-44-33

Our bank account number is 31401327

By Phone

You can pay by credit card or debit card by phoning us on (01225) 776655. Please have your card ready to quote the card number, expiry date and any issue number. You can use our automated service or speak with one of our staff.

Post Office

Payment may be made at any post office by presenting a payment card. Payment cards will be issued to customers during February 2007. You can use your payment card at any Post Office or Payzone outlet. You can pay by cash, cheque or debit card. If you have any questions about using your payment card please contact us.

No fee is payable for this service, however please allow up to 5 days for your payment to reach us.

By Post

Cheques and Postal orders should be made payable to West Wiltshire District Council and sent to:

West Wiltshire District Council, Council Offices, Bradley Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0RD

Standing Order

If you prefer to pay this way, please quote your council tax account reference number and our bank details which are as follows:

HSBC - Local Collection Account West Wiltshire District Council

Sort Code 40-44-33

Our bank account number is 31401327

Visa / Mastercard / Switch / Solo

If you would prefer to pay this way telephone us.

Contact Us

If you require any help or have an enquiry we will be pleased to help.

Contact us in writing, by e-mail or by telephone:

Revenues and Benefits Service
West Wiltshire District Council
Bradley Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 0RD

Telephone: 01225 776655

E-mail: revenuesandbenefits@westwiltshire.gov.uk

We are here to help:

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm