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Here is an example of a council tax bill, we have highlighted the key areas that we frequently receive questions about.

  1. Your bill is made up of an amount from Dudley MBC and charges from other organisations that we collect on their behalf (known as precepts). The precepts are added to the amount from Dudley MBC to make up your council tax charge.

  2. The percentage increase from last year for each of the parts of your council tax. The top line shows the increase in the amount of council tax from last year.

  3. The barcode used when you make a payment ensures your payment goes to the correct account.

  4. Name and address of person/people responsible for paying the bill.

  5. This is your council tax account number. It will change if you move address. Please quote this number whenever you contact us regarding you council tax.

  6. This is the address that the council tax shown on the bill is payable for.

  7. The Valuation Office determines which band your property is in and we charge council tax based on the amount that is set for your band. More information regarding banding.

  8. This area details how your council tax charge is affected by any discounts or charges that are applied to your account. A figure with a minus in front of it is taken off your charge and any figure without a minus is added to your charge.

    This area may detail amongst others:

    Single Adult Occupier Discount – a 25% discount awarded for being the only person in the property eligible to pay council tax.

    Council Tax Reduction – any Council Tax Reduction (CTR) that you are entitled to will be used to reduce the amount you pay.

    Penalties and Court Costs – these will increase your bill by the amount shown.

  9. This is the reason the bill has been sent to you.

  10. This is the total amount you need to pay.

  11. These are the payments that you need to make, the date that they need to be made by and your chosen method of payment. You can make your payments online or set up a direct debit. Normally, any unsummonsed arrears will be included in the instalments. Any summonsed arrears should be paid as previously arranged.