Council Tax Explained

What is Council Tax?

The Council Tax is the local taxpayer's contribution towards the cost of services provided.

Council Tax is an important part of the financing of Local Government. The present system was bought into effect from 1 April 1993 and replaced the Community Charges system.

The Council Tax helps to pay for the spending of the Local Authorities in your area. The rest of the spending is provided by:

• Government Grants
• National Non-Domestic Rates Pool
• Fees, charges and other income

All of the Authorities provide services in your area and their spending plans are detailed separately in the information accompanying the initial bill.

The Council Tax is the local taxpayer's contribution towards the cost of services provided. Swale Borough Council collects Council Tax on behalf of the Kent County Council, the Kent Police Authority, the Kent Fire Brigade and the Town and Parish Councils, as well as the charge for its own services.

If you have any questions about Council Tax please contact us using the details at the top of this page.

Did you know, you can pay your Council Tax online under the 'Pay It' section of our 'Do It Online' service.

What Council Tax Band is my Property?

To find out the Council Tax Band of your property you can use our 'Find Your Nearest' service, simply put in your post code and select the Council Tax option.

You can contact the Valuation Office for information concerning the banding of your property by going to the Valuation Office Agency website.