West Lothian Council delivers

Can I change the date of my Council Tax direct debit?

Yes, with the council's permission, you may change the date of your council tax direct debit. The dates offered are the 8th, 16th, 24th or last day of the month.

Can I get my council tax refund now, in cash?

We do not issue council tax refunds in cash. We will send you a cheque.

Do I need to tell the Council Tax office if I move home?

Yes, when you move permanently to a new address you must notify your Council Tax office. You should do this as soon as possible, ideally before you actually move, if you know the dates and your new address.

How can I stop getting council tax bills for my old address?

You need to advise the council tax office of the date you left the premises. If you were a tenant at that address, please provide the name of your landlord. If you owned the property, please advise the council tax office of the date of sale and the name of the purchaser. We will amend our records accordingly.

How long do I have to wait before I get my refund on my overpaid council tax?

We usually issue payment within 10 working days.

I have lost my job and can't pay my council tax. What should I do?

You may be able to claim housing and council tax benefit. Contact us immediately.

I own a property and lease it/rent it out. Who should advise the Council Tax Office?

As the owner of the property, it is up to you to advise us, otherwise you will be liable to pay the council tax on that property.

I receive a single person's 25% discount on my council tax but will have someone staying with me for a month. Should I inform the council tax of this change in circumstances?

Changes of occupancy of less than six weeks is not considered significant for Council tax so there is no need to inform us of this change.

I'm going to work abroad and will be renting out my house. Do I still have to pay council tax?

No, If you are renting out your property for more than six months, your tenant will be due to pay the council tax.

I've just bought a house to rent out. If my tenant doesn't pay his council tax, will I be liable?

No, as long as you have provided a copy of the lease, we will pursue the tenant for the outstanding council tax.

I've received a Sheriff Officer letter. Can't I just make an arrangement with the Council?

No, you need to contact the Sheriff Officer to come to an arrangement.

What exemptions can be claimed on council tax when there is a bereavement?

Where Council Tax liability is due solely by the estate of a deceased person and grant of confirmation to the estate has been made, there is a 6 months maximum exemption. Where Council Tax liability is due solely by the estate of a deceased person and grant of confirmation of the estate has not been made, there is an unlimited exemption.

What happens if I don't pay my Council Tax?

If you pay by monthly instalments and do not pay an instalment in full, on the day it is due, then you will be sent a reminder notice asking you to pay the outstanding balance of the instalment within 7 days. By law you cannot receive more than 2 reminders in any one financial year. If you do not pay then you will lose the right to pay by instalments and the full year's charge will due. The council will then apply to the Sheriff Court for a summary warrant to recover the debt. At this stage a 10% statutory surcharge is added to the outstanding balance on your account.

What is a Council Tax earnings arrestment?

Once a Council Tax case has gone through the Sheriff Court a Summary Warrant is granted. This order allows us to take certain methods of recovery, one of which is an earnings arrestment. Council Tax Earnings Arrestment is when the council has a Summary Warrant from the Sheriff Court to recover Council Tax payment directly from your earnings. In other words, we recover what you owe us directly from your wages. You are obliged to provide details when requested by us and we do not need to consult you when considering an arrestment.

What should I do if I am having trouble paying my Council Tax?

If you have difficulty in making your Council Tax payments you should contact us straight away for advice. You may be able to arrange to repay the debt without the Council taking legal action against you.

What should I do with council tax bills for the person who stayed here before me?

Return the bill to the address shown on the envelope and if a forwarding address or solicitor's address is known, please tell the council tax staff, who will arrange to update our records.

Who is responsible for paying the Council Tax bill?

The person or people named on the front of the bill are responsible for paying the Council Tax for the property.

Why have I received a Reminder/Summary Warrant for my Council Tax?

Council Tax must be paid in accordance with the instructions on the bill to avoid recovery. When one instalment is missed a Reminder will be issued. If it is brought up to date and kept up to date no further action will be taken. If this is not brought up to date the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant. If the first reminder is brought up to date but subsequent instalments are defaulted upon a Second Reminder is issued. If it is brought up to date and kept up to date no further action will be taken. If this is not brought up to date the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant. If you default for a third time you will not be sent another reminder and the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant.Any Warrant issued will incur costs of 10% of the outstanding balance - known as a Statutory Surcharge. Please note that paying within the month will not always avoid recovery, it is important to make payment on the date shown on the bill.

Why is the Council Tax banding higher on my one-bedroomed flat than my friend's three-bedroomed semi.?

Your Council Tax banding is dependent on the value of the house on the 1st of April 1991, not the number of bedrooms. The valuation depends upon the area in which you live as much as the size and type of property.

Will my council tax valuation band be increased if I build an extension onto my house?

Under current legislation any alterations or extensions that you carry out will not affect the council tax valuation band until the property is sold.