2016/17
A guide to council tax across
Lichfield District
Lichfield District
Council Services
We deliver a wide range of local
services in your area for around
£3.08 a week*.
In this leaflet you will find out
more information about how
much you will pay, how we spend
the money we get, and council
tax discounts and exemptions.
*Based on an average band D property
Paying for your district council
services
County, police, fire and parish
increases
We keep around 10% of the money you pay each
month in council tax to fund local services. The rest
goes to the county council, fire and police services
and parish councils. An average local home* in the
district will pay £160 this year towards the district
services we deliver, such as your weekly bin
collections, local parks, leisure centres and more.
Your council tax also funds other local services,
including the county council, fire, police and parish
councils. This year the government has allowed
councils responsible for adult social care to
increase their bills by up to 4% without holding a
referendum (see page 7 for more information). As
such, Staffordshire County Council is increasing its
charge by 3.95%, which is around £41.37 for a
band D property. The fire service has increased its
charge by 1.99%, which is £1.37 a year for a band
D property. The police has not increased its charge.
Parish council increases are shown on page 7.
To make sure we can continue to deliver good local
services, we have increased our part of the bill by
3.23% this year. This increase will mean an
average local home* will pay around 42p more a
month, or £5 extra a year, for the services we
provide.
*Based on an average band D property
Where does my money go?
70.7p goes to Staffordshire County Council
2.8p goes to the average parish council
11.5p goes to the Office of the Police and
Crime Commissioner Staffordshire
Facing the future
Like other councils across the country, we are
facing significant cuts in the funding we receive
from central government, which has previously
helped us to deliver key local services.
By 2019 we will no longer receive any core
government funding and will need to be
independently financially sustainable.
This is a huge challenge and our Fit for the Future
transformation programme has been designed to
help us achieve this. We are reviewing how we
deliver our services, moving more online, and
asking local people and partners to do their bit to
help us achieve our priorities.
To find out more about our vision for the district
and the priorities we will focus on between 2016
and 2020, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/strategicplan.
1
10.4p goes to Lichfield District Council
4.6p goes to Staffordshire Fire
and Rescue Service
To find out more about council tax,
exemptions and discounts, and the
ways you can pay, visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/counciltax
How much will I have to pay?
Use the table below to find out how much your
council tax charge will be in the 2016/17 financial
year. The amount you pay depends on where you
live (your parish area) and the value of your home
(your valuation band). The figures do not include
any discounts you may receive.
Your house is placed in one of eight council tax
bands (A to H), using the valuation carried out by
the District Valuer in 1991. The amount of council
tax you pay will depend on the value of your
property. Band D (highlighted below) is used to
calculate the council tax for each property and to
compare ourselves to others.
Band A
(6/9)*
Band B
(7/9)*
Band C
(8/9)*
Band D
(1)*
Band E
(11/9)*
Band F
(13/9)*
Band G
(15/9)*
Band H
(2)*
Alrewas
1018.19
1187.88
1357.58
1527.27
1866.66
2206.06
2545.46
3054.54
Armitage with Handsacre
1022.24
1192.60
1362.98
1533.34
1874.08
2214.83
2555.58
3066.68
Burntwood
1023.60
1193.49
1363.99
1534.48
1875.47
2216.47
2557.48
3068.96
Clifton Campville with
Thorpe Constantine
1024.44
1195.18
1365.92
1536.65
1878.12
2219.61
2561.09
3073.30
Colton
1026.80
1197.93
1369.06
1540.19
1882.45
2224.72
2566.99
3080.38
Curborough & Elmhurst
and Farewell & Chorley
1006.49
1174.23
1341.98
1509.72
1845.21
2180.71
2516.21
3019.44
Drayton Bassett
1028.78
1200.23
1371.70
1543.15
1886.07
2229.00
2571.93
3086.30
Edingale
1024.38
1195.10
1365.83
1536.55
1878.00
2219.46
2560.93
3073.10
Elford
1026.36
1197.41
1368.47
1539.52
1881.63
2223.75
2565.88
3079.04
Fazeley
1022.32
1192.70
1363.09
1533.47
1874.24
2215.02
2555.79
3066.94
Fradley & Streethay
1028.31
1199.69
1371.07
1542.45
1885.21
2227.99
2570.76
3084.90
Hammerwich
1009.08
1177.25
1345.43
1513.60
1849.95
2186.31
2522.68
3027.20
Hamstall Ridware
1016.58
1186.01
1355.44
1524.86
1863.71
2202.58
2541.44
3049.72
Harlaston
1017.56
1187.14
1356.74
1526.32
1865.50
2204.69
2543.88
3052.64
Hints & Canwell
1023.77
1194.39
1365.02
1535.64
1876.89
2218.15
2559.41
3071.28
Kings Bromley
1013.92
1182.90
1351.89
1520.87
1858.84
2196.82
2534.79
3041.74
Lichfield
1034.30
1206.68
1379.06
1551.44
1896.20
2240.97
2585.74
3102.88
Longdon
1019.63
1189.56
1359.50
1529.43
1869.30
2209.18
2549.06
3058.86
Mavesyn Ridware
1022.22
1192.59
1362.96
1533.32
1874.05
2214.80
2555.54
3066.64
Shenstone
1024.88
1195.68
1366.50
1537.30
1878.92
2220.55
2562.18
3074.60
Swinfen & Packington
1020.01
1190.00
1360.01
1530.00
1870.00
2210.00
2550.01
3060.00
Wall
1023.33
1193.88
1364.43
1534.98
1876.08
2217.20
2558.31
3069.96
Weeford
1007.19
1175.05
1342.91
1510.77
1846.49
2182.23
2517.96
3021.54
Whittington & Fisherwick
1023.99
1194.65
1365.31
1535.97
1877.29
2218.63
2559.96
3071.94
Wigginton & Hopwas
1023.74
1194.35
1364.98
1535.59
1876.83
2218.08
2559.33
3071.18
*The bands are worked out as a proportion of the band D amount.
It’s easier to pay with Direct Debit, call us on 01543 308900 to set one up.
Remember to have your bank details to hand.
.
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Frequently asked questions
Does council tax fund all our services?
What if I live alone - do I get a discount?
No. We receive money from a number of sources,
including government grants, income from fees
and charges and interest on investments, as well as
from council tax. Council tax represents about
26% of what we spend delivering our services.
Yes. If you are the only person over 18 who has
their sole, main residence at your address, you are
entitled to a 25% single person discount. Visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ctexemptions to download
a single person discount application form or call
01543 308900.
When do I have to pay my council tax?
You can pay by 10 or 12 monthly or 2 half yearly
instalments on the 1st day of the month. If you
pay by Direct Debit you can ask for your payment
to come out of your account on the 1st or 18th of
every month by calling 01543 308900.
How do I pay for my council tax?
You can pay for your council tax by Direct Debit,
online or over the phone. You will need your
council tax number (found on your bill) and card
details.
Direct Debit: Set up a Direct Debit by calling
01543 308900 or by filling in a form at
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/payct You will need your
bank details ready, including your sort-code,
account number and branch address.
Online: Pay online at
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/epay
By phone: Use our automated system by calling
0845 2340 068 or by calling our team on 01543
308900.
Please note: There is a 2% surcharge if you pay
with a credit card. This does not apply to debit
card payments.
How is my council tax bill calculated?
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Your council tax bill is based on your property’s
council tax band (see page 2). It assumes there are
two adults living in your home (as their main
home).
Do I have to pay council tax if I move out?
If a property is empty and substantially unfurnished
it may get a discount of 100% for a maximum of
two months. However, if it has been empty for two
months already and there is a change of
owner/tenant, a new two month period does not
apply and a further discount will not be granted.
What if I cannot live in my property
because it’s undergoing a refurbishment
or repairs?
A discount may be available if a property needs or
is undergoing major repair works or structural
alteration. For more information please visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ctexemptions
Could I be exempt from paying
council tax?
Yes. You may be eligible for a discount or may be
exempt from paying council tax if you are a
full-time student, you are living in permanent
residential care, you are disabled, or for a range of
other reasons. For full information, visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ctexemptions or
call 01543 308900.
What if I can’t pay my council tax?
If you are struggling to pay your council tax on
time, please call us straightaway on
01543 308900. If you are on a low income find
out about our council tax support scheme (see
page 4 for more information).
What if I miss a payment?
We will send you a reminder which gives you 7
days to pay. If you don’t pay within this time, you
will lose your right to pay by instalments and will
have to pay your full year’s council tax balance
within a further 7 days.
What if I miss more payments within the
same year?
If you make a payment after the first reminder but
fall behind for a second time, we will send you a
second reminder. This needs to be paid within 7
days or you will lose your right to pay by
instalments and will have to pay your full year’s
council tax balance within a further 7 days.
If you fall behind for a third time, you will be sent a
final notice and will automatically lose your right to
pay by instalments and the full year’s council tax
balance will become due.
In all instances where the full balance becomes
due, unless you pay within 7 days, you will get a
summons to appear at court to explain why you
haven’t paid, and £70 will be added to your bill.
You can choose not to attend court if you wish,
however, the hearing will still proceed.
We will ask the magistrates to issue a liability order
and, if granted, a further £25 will be added to
your bill. The order allows us to legally collect the
money you owe. We can do this by deducting
money from your benefits or earnings, or by
instructing an enforcement agent (formally known
as bailiffs). Ultimately, you could serve time in
prison.
If you are having difficulty paying your council tax,
you can contact us at any time to make an
arrangement to pay, except where we have
instructed enforcement agents to collect the debt
on our behalf. In these circumstances, you must
deal with them directly. We will not enter into any
alternative arrangements unless there are
exceptional circumstances.
Enforcement agents will charge you a fee that has
been fixed by legislation. The initial fee is £75. If
they visit your home, you will be charged a
minimum fee of £235. VAT may also be added to
these fees. You will also be charged more fees if
goods are removed from your home. If your debt is
passed to enforcement agents, it is highly unlikely
that we will intervene with their course of action
and you must pay them direct. However, don’t let
it get this far. Please contact us if you are
struggling to pay your council tax. Call us on
01543 308900.
What if I’m on a low income?
You may be eligible for some help to pay your
council tax. This is called council tax support
(formerly council tax benefit). You will need to
make an application to the council, and we will
assess how much help you could get based on
your income, capital and who else lives in your
home. To find out more and to download an
application form, visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/claimform
To find out more about council tax, exemptions and discounts, and the ways you
can pay, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/counciltax
4
The tables below show how much Lichfield District Council (including
parish councils) will spend, and the amount needed from council tax.
Lichfield District Council and parish councils
Gross spending
2015-16
(£m)
2016-17
(£m)
Change
(£m)
Change
(%)
£58.859m
£59.634m
£0.775m
1.32%
Parish councils
£1.408m
£1.553m
£0.145m
10.30%
Total including parish councils
£60.267m
£61.187m
£0.920m
1.53%
Income
(£47.945m)
(£49.108m)
(£1.163m)
(2.43%)
Government support and business rates
(£5.293m)
(£4.669m)
£0.624m
11.79%
Total income (excluding council tax)
(£53.238m)
(£53.777m)
(£0.539m)
(1.01%)
2015-16
2016-17
Change
(£m)
Change
(%)
Lichfield District Council
Net expenditure (gross spending less Income)
£10.914m
£10.526m
(£0.388m)
(3.56%)
Government support and business rates
(£5.293m)
(£4.669m)
£0.624m
11.79%
Amount to be raised from council tax
£5.621m
£5.857m
£0.236m
4.20%
Why council tax is going up this year
Amount
Raised from council tax 2015/16
£5.621m
Change in council spending
Inflation/savings & efficiencies/developing services
5
(£0.797m)
Decrease in use of money from our balances
£0.409m
Sub-total
£5.233m
Changes in government support and business rates
£0.624m
Amount to be raised from council tax 2016/17
£5.857m
Additional amount raised from council tax
£0.236m
Calculating the total council tax
We need to collect £5.857m in council tax to provide Lichfield District Council services this year.
Budgeted expenditure and funding
2015/16
(last
year)
Our net
spend was
planned to
be £’000
Local tax collection, elections, land charges, community grants
2016 - 17 (this year)
Our net
spend is set
to be
£’000
Amount
per person
£
Amount
per band D
Property
£
567
520
£5.09
£14.20
Leisure centres, pools, open spaces, tourism, theatre
3,170
2,805
£27.47
£76.62
Waste collection, recycling, street cleansing, environmental health
3,226
3,408
£33.38
£93.09
Highways, roads and transport servivces
(637)
(639)
(£6.26)
(£17.45)
Housing strategy & advice, homelessness services, housing benefits
1,154
1,079
£10.57
£29.47
Development & building control, planning policy, economic development
1,526
1,494
£14.63
£40.81
(65)
(80)
(£0.78)
(£2.19)
Trade waste collection
Corporate costs
Net cost of services
Capital & earmarked reserves
Interest receipts/payments
Transfer (from) or to general reserves
2,052
1,693
£16.58
£46.24
10,993
10,280
£100.69
£280.80
246
262
£2.57
£7.16
75
(25)
(£0.24)
(£0.68)
(400)
9
£0.09
£0.25
Net expenditure
10,914
10,526
£103.10
£287.52
Business rates
(2,134)
(2,320)
(£22.72)
(£63.37)
Revenue support grant
(1,450)
(773)
(£7.57)
(£21.11)
New homes bonus
(1,539)
(1,883)
(£18.44)
(£51.43)
99
55
£0.54
£1.50
(269)
252
£2.47
£6.88
£5,621
£5,857
£57.37
£159.99
Other grants/local council tax support to parishes
(Surplus) or deficit on the collection of council tax and
business rates from the previous year
Amount to be raised from council tax
6
How much do parish councils get?
Your local parish, town or city council gets a proportion of money from your bill to deliver local services.
This table shows how much your parish council will receive, based on the average council tax bill (Band D).
Find your parish
from the list below
2015/16 (last year)
2016/17 (this year)
Parish council tax
precept (£)
Parish council tax
precept (£)
Parish council tax
charge (average
home band D) (£)
Parish council tax
charge (average
home band D) (£)
Alrewas
34,812
29.86
35,861
30.69
Armitage with Handsacre
66,644
34.89
73,233
36.76
Burntwood
223,972
27.91
306,324
37.90
Clifton Campville with
Thorpe Constantine*
14,600
40.86
14,600
40.07
Colton
13,244
42.14
13,881
43.61
2,796
11.60
3,203
13.14
20,253
46.56
20,354
46.57
Curborough & Elmhurst
and Farewell & Chorley*
Drayton Basset
Edingale
10,496
39.82
10,559
39.97
Elford
11,112
39.56
12,173
42.94
Fazeley
53,290
36.79
53,631
36.89
Fradley & Streethay*
57,818
43.73
61,113
45.87
Hammerwich
20,752
15.45
23,049
17.02
Hamstall Ridware
3,723
25.78
4,168
28.28
Harlaston
5,424
29.79
5,464
29.74
Hints & Canwell
6,939
39.09
7,035
39.06
Kings Bromley
12,044
22.91
12,849
24.29
Lichfield
611,674
52.75
640,693
54.86
Longdon
17,148
23.06
24,200
32.85
Mavesyn Ridware
15,015
35.58
15,904
36.74
134,269
39.58
139.971
40.72
Swinfen & Packington
4,366
31.80
4,599
33.42
Wall
6,385
32.86
7,435
38.40
14.19
Shenstone
Weeford
1,299
14.43
1,288
Whittington & Fisherwick*
42,410
38.42
43,826
39.39
Wiggington & Hopwas
17,582
39.23
17,678
39.01
* grouped parishes
7
Parish council precepts over £140,000
Administration
Other
Income
Amount of Precept
Less Council Tax Support Grant
Precept less grant
Burntwood
2015/16
2016/17
154,629
204,532
106,630
205,593
(11,905)
(80,219)
249,354
329,906
(25,382)
(23,582)
223,972
306,324
Lichfield City
2015/16
2016/17
Administration
Other
Income
Amount of Precept
Less Council Tax Support Grant
Precept less grant
648,350
674,763
648,350
(36,676)
611,674
674,763
(34,070)
640,693
Administration
Other
Income
Amount of Precept
Less Council Tax Support Grant
Precept less grant
Shenstone
2015/16
2016/17
55,000
60,000
90,000
90,000
0
0
145,000
150,000
(10,731)
(10,029)
134,269
139,971
Increase for adult social care
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has made an offer to adult social care
authorities. (“Adult social care authorities” are local authorities which have functions under Part 1 of
the Care Act 2014, namely county councils in England, district councils for an area in England for
which there is no county council, London borough councils, the Common Council of the City of
London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.)
The offer is the option of an adult social care authority being able to charge a “precept” of up to 2%
on its council tax for the financial year beginning in 2016 without holding a referendum, to assist the
authority in meeting expenditure on adult social care. Subject to the annual approval of the House of
Commons, the Secretary of State intends to offer the option of charging this “precept” in relation to
each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019-20.
In relation to the financial year beginning in 2016 the Secretary of State has determined (and the
House of Commons has approved) a referendum principle of 4% (comprising 2% for expenditure on
adult social care and 2% for other expenditure), for adult social care authorities. These authorities may
therefore set council tax up to this percentage in 2016 without holding a referendum.
8
Find out more
Your council tax payment helps to fund a number of organisations
across the county. These include:
Staffordshire County Council
Lichfield District Council
0300 111 8000
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/counciltax
01543 308000
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/counciltax
Office of the Police and Crime
Commissioner Staffordshire
Staffordshire Fire and
Rescue Authority
01785 232385
www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk
0845 1221 155
www.staffordshire fire.gov.uk
Parish councils - to find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/parishcouncils
Any questions?
Please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/counciltax or call our
team on 01543 308900 Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 5pm
If you would like this leaflet in
another format such as large print,
please call 01543 308900.