This is the content on the back of a Council Tax bill or recovery notice from Medway Council:
Payment methods
If you already pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit you do not need to do anything. The instalment amounts shown on your bill will be collected on the dates shown. Over 80,000 Medway residents save time by paying their Council Tax by Direct Debit. This is the easiest and safest way to pay, just complete the online form at www.medway.gov.uk/paycounciltax and choose from three payment dates.
For bank transfer our bank account number is 00000000 and sort code 57-17-50. Use your payment reference number shown on the front of this bill as the reference.
To pay online using a debit or credit card go to www.medway.gov.uk/paycounciltax or call our 24-hour payment line 01634 334 477 (you cannot use the payment line if your payment reference number includes an X).
Payment by cheque can be sent to the address on the front of this bill. Write your payment reference number on the back of the cheque. If you want a receipt, send a stamped and addressed envelope with the cheque. Do not send cash by post. For payment at the Post Office take this bill with you as you cannot make payment without the barcode on the front of this bill.
Instalments
You will normally be offered payment over ten monthly instalments on your annual bill but you can request to pay over 12 months by emailing ctax@medway.gov.uk (include your payment reference number in the subject).
General information
For more Council Tax information including how your money is spent go to: www.medway.gov.uk/counciltaxleaflet. You can contact us by email if you need a hard copy.
Reduce your bill
People on a low income may be able to claim Council Tax Reduction and we have a discretionary scheme to help further with payment of your Council Tax. You can also get a 25% discount if you live alone or if you live with others that are not counted, such as students or those with a severe mental impairment. Properties only occupied by students or those that are severely mentally impaired may be exempt from payment. If someone in your property needs extra space because of their disability you may be entitled to a reduction. You can find details of all discounts and exemptions and apply online at www.medway.gov.uk/counciltax.
Empty properties
Unoccupied and unfurnished properties that have been empty for a year or more will be charged an additional premium. From 1 April 2025 unoccupied and furnished properties will be charged a premium as soon as they are vacated. There are some exceptions including properties that are being marketed for sale or for let for up to 12 months. Find out more www.medway.gov.uk/counciltaxpremiums.
Change in circumstances
If you receive a discount, exemption or Council Tax Reduction, you must tell us about any changes that may affect this within 21 days or you could be fined £70. You can tell us about any changes affecting your Council Tax reduction at www.medway.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction or by writing to us. If you move home you can tell us at www.medway.gov.uk/changeyourcounciltaxdetails.
Refunds
If your bill shows a credit you can request a refund at www.medway.gov.uk/counciltaxrefund.
Appeals
If you think the amount of Council Tax reduction is wrong, you can appeal by emailing benefits@medway.gov.uk or writing to the address on the front of this bill. If you disagree with any other decision about your Council Tax liability your appeal should be sent to ctax@medway.gov.uk. If we do not accept your argument, make a change but you still do not agree, or we do not get back to you within two months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal at valuationtribunal.gov.uk or by phoning 03001 232 035.
Council Tax banding
Your property has been put in a band between A and H depending on the property’s value and the higher the band, the more Council Tax you will pay. The Valuation Office Agency is responsible for banding all properties for Council Tax. If you think your band is wrong visit gov.uk/challenge-council-tax-band or call 03000 501 501. Please note that you must still pay the amount shown on this bill even if you decide to appeal. If your band is reduced any overpayment will be refunded to you.
Contact details
www.medway.gov.uk/counciltax where you can find more information, apply for paperless billing, report a change, tell us about a change of address, pay your Council Tax, set up a Direct Debit and apply for a Council Tax Reduction, discount or exemption.
ctax@medway.gov.uk (include your payment reference number in the subject), or write to the address on the front of this bill.
01634 332 222 (to make a payment call our 24-hour payment line 01634 334 477).
Data protection
The information that you provide will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. Medway Council will not disclose information to unauthorised persons or to third parties for marketing purposes. However, because of our duty to protect public funds, information may be shared with council departments and other public service organisations. This may include data matching. For further information visit our website and search Data Protection.
Help us to stop fraud
If you know someone is claiming a reduction in Council Tax that should not be, report it in confidence at www.medway.gov.uk/reportfraud or email investigation.team@medway.gov.uk.