There are ways we can help if you are struggling to pay council tax.
Please contact us to discuss your situation as soon as possible. It is better to talk to us before your account gets into arrears and additional charges accrue.
You can call us on 01733 452 651 between Monday and Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
We may be able to work out a more suitable payment plan for you. We can also advise if you are eligible for any discounts, exemptions or reductions.
Summary of your options
Council tax bills are normally paid in 10 monthly instalments between April and January.. You can also email local.taxation@peterborough.gov.uk to request a 12 month spread.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive a discount on your council tax bill. This means you could pay less or nothing at all.
Discounts include:
There are some cases where a property is exempt from council tax. This means that the liable person does not have to pay council tax for that property.
Examples of exempt properties are those that have been:
- Left empty by a deceased resident
- Left empty because the resident is in hospital or a care home on a permanent basis
- Left empty due to the resident being imprisoned
- Left empty due to repossession by a mortgage lender
- Occupied only by residents under the age of 18
If you are on a low income, there are benefits you can apply for to help you pay your council tax bill. Visit our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support page for more information.
Visit our Here to Help - Cost of Living page to find out more about:
- Household Support Fund
- Schemes to help with energy bills
- Cost of Living Support Hubs (including food help)
- Vouchers and activities for the school holidays
- Benefits calculator
- Government's Help for Households
- WorkWell employment support scheme
- Furniture bank
- Help with online connectivity if you are on low income
- Citizens Advice provide a wide variety of help and advice including debt and money. They can give you the information you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice website
- Making Money Count offers everyday help with money, finding work and renting. Reliable and easy to follow information brought to you by organisations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Includes tips and advice on money, bills and debt, check entitlements, shopping deals, budgeting, keeping track of money, energy saving tips. Making Money Count website
- Money Advice Service is a free and impartial money advice service, set up by the government. It includes information on debt, budgeting and benefits. Money Advice Service website
- Turn 2 Us is a national charity to help you when times get tough, providing financial support to get back on track. They have lots of useful information and tools on their website such as a benefits calculator, managing low incomes, grant search and looking for work. Turn 2 Us website.
- Money Helper – Free guidance backed by the HM Government – subjects include benefits, family, money troubles, everyday money, homes, work - including a budget planner
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – a charity providing free debt help, find a job or gain vital life skills, every working day to help you find a practical, lasting solution to debt and poverty. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) website or call (free) 0800 328 0006