Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Council Tax?
Council Tax helps pay for the services Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council provides for the people of Merthyr Tydfil. These services include:
- Education
- Social Services
- Community centres
- Street lighting
- Refuse collection
- Youth and sports centres
- Libraries
- Swimming pools
It also pays for our contribution towards:
- Police
- Fire and civil defence
- Public transport
- Rubbish and waste disposal
I have a new property. What do I do?
If you have moved into, become responsible for or purchased a property you must inform us immediately advising of who is the responsible person for the property: In Person, By Phone or written correspondence.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
You have to pay Council Tax for most properties. There is one Council Tax Demand for each property whether it is a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette or mobile home or houseboat and whether it is owned or rented. The bill sent to you at the beginning of the financial year allows you to pay in 10 monthly instalments. Usually the dwelling’s resident owners or tenants are liable. Where two or more residents are joint owners or joint tenants, they are each responsible for paying the bill. In some cases, for example, houses in multiple occupation, non-resident owners may be liable.
How can Council Tax payments be made?
You can pay your Council Tax Demand in full at the start of the financial year if you wish. However, most people choose to pay in 10 monthly instalments starting in April and ending in January, usually on the 1st of the month. See How To pay your Council Tax for more details
What if I’m living in Merthyr Tydfil but have another home elsewhere?
The amount of Council Tax payable works on the principle of ‘sole or main residence’. The liable person for any dwelling is normally the ‘resident’; for Council Tax that person can be a resident in only one location – their main residence. This is where full Council Tax is payable or where claims for single person discount could be considered. In some areas of the UK this results in a 50% discount for the ‘second’ home because it has no ‘residents’.
In Wales special rules may be applied for furnished dwellings that have no residents. In Merthyr Tydfil the Council has resolved that no discount is allowable for dwellings in this category.
How is the cost of my Council Tax worked out?
The normal Council Tax bill is based on 50% property element and 25% each for 2 (or more) people in residence.
Your Council Tax Demand is based on a banding determined by the Listing Officer. If you want further details about your banding, please contact:
The Listing Officer
The Valuation Office Agency
Government Buildings
Castle Street
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8TX
Telephone Number: 01685 358000
Website: http://www.voa.gov.uk/
How do I get more information?
There is also further information on the VOA Council Tax Website
For all other Council Tax information please contact us.
By Post:
Council Tax Section
Civic Centre
Castle Street
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8AN
In person
You can visit us at the above address.
Telephone
Council Tax Registration: 01685 725392
Council Tax Recovery: 01685 725241
Council Tax Benefits: 01685 725116/725371
E-mail:
revenues@merthyr.gov.uk
benefits@merthyr.gov.uk
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