Council tax explained
Where your money goes and a guide to your council tax bill.
Council tax and your bill
Council tax is your way of helping to pay for many local services like emergency services, rubbish collection, libraries, schools, street lights and much more.
Council tax is charged on the household. It's based on the value of the property and not on what the household earns.
The amount of council tax you have to pay depends on which property band your home is in.
Your final bill will be changed if you qualify for any of the council tax discounts or exemptions.
Council tax in detail
Find out how council tax is calculated and where your money goes in our council tax explained documents:
Levies on the council
The Environment Agency (EA) and the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board (IDB) charge the council a levy for flood defence and land drainage. The Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) charge a levy for the management of the local marine environment.
Council tax notice
The Council Tax Notice for 2020/21 (pdf, 17KB) (opens new window) shows the council tax bands commencing from 1 April 2020.
Emergency services
Get information on spending plans for the Police and fire brigade and details of how the budgets are finalised:
- Investing in your policing: Avon and Somerset Constabulary (pdf, 202KB) (opens new window)
- Avon Fire Authority: Your fire and rescue service (pdf, 353KB) (opens new window)
- Who pays council tax
Who is responsible for council tax and when they should pay.
- Your council tax bill explained
A guide to help you understand your council tax bill.