Rent Collection

Help with your council tax

Paying council tax

When you become a Council tenant you will also have to pay council tax. You will get a separate bill which must be paid by monthly instalments. The instalment is due on or before the 15th of each month unless you choose to pay by Direct Debit, then you can choose to pay on the 1, 8, 15 or 22 of the month.

You can pay your council tax in the same ways that you pay your rent, but if you want a plastic payment card to use at the post office you will have to telephone us on 020 8227 2926 and ask for one.

Your council tax reference number is not the same as your rent reference number and it is very important to make sure you use the right card for the right bill. You may also take your bill to the Post Office and use the bar code in the top left hand corner to pay.

If you work for London Borough of Barking and Dagenham you can arrange for your council tax to be taken from your wages. Contact the council tax office on 020 8227 2926 for more information.

On a low income?

If you have claimed housing benefit we will automatically check to see if you qualify for council tax benefit. If you qualify your bill will be reduced.

The only adult living in the property?

If you are the only person aged 18 or over that normally lives at the property you will qualify for a 25% discount.

Children still at school or students?

If the only other adults living in a property are still at school, or go to college or university full time, you could qualify for a discount.

Disabled?

If you use a wheelchair in your home, or use a room to help with your disability you could qualify for a discount.

There are also other types of discounts. Full details can be found in the booklet you will receive with your bill. For more information on any of these discounts telephone us on 020 8227 2926.

What happens if I don't pay?

It is important that you pay your council tax when it is due otherwise we will take legal action, which will add extra costs of at least £88 to your bill and allow the council to take action against you to recover the debt.

If you are having genuine difficultly paying please telephone us for advice. It is important that you telephone us as soon as possible.

Contact

Rent Collection Section

Revenues and Benefits

90 Stour Road

Dagenham

RM10 7JD

Tel: 020 8227 2922

Fax: 020 8227 2574

Textphone: 020 8227 2413

Email: rent@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm