Council Tax

What is Council Tax?

Council Tax is a local taxation which helps to pay for the services provided by Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue Services.

From 1^st April 1997 Bournemouth Borough Council has provided all of the services in Bournemouth.

Council Tax is charged on most domestic dwellings. There is one Council Tax bill per household. Discounts and exemptions| from Council Tax may apply according to the number of persons resident and the circumstances of the household.

A Guide to your Council Tax

A leaflet containing information about Council Tax and how your money is spent on local services is available below. This leaflet is also sent out with Council Tax bills.

• A Guide to your Council Tax 2012/13
• A Guide to your Council Tax 2011/12

A summary of this leaflet can also be provided in large print, audio format or a different language. If you would like a copy please telephone us.

Who pays Council Tax?

The person liable to pay must be over 18 years of age and is decided by their legal interest in the property. Whoever comes first in the following list is the person liable to pay:-

1. A freeholder who lives in the property.
2. A leaseholder who lives in the property.
3. A tenant who lives in the property.
4. Someone with a licence to live in the property.
5. Any other person (including squatters).

If nobody lives in the property, the owner must pay Council Tax. The owner is the freeholder or leaseholder.

What are the Valuation Bands?

Your property, be it a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette or mobile home has been placed into one of eight valuation bands by the Listing Officer of the Valuation Office |according to it’s value at 1^st April 1991:

Valuation Band	Value of Property at 1st April 1991 £	Council Tax 2011 / 12 (per household)	Council Tax 2012 / 13 (per household)
Disabled Band A*	0 – 40,000	£832.60	£832.60
A	0 – 40,000	£999.12	£999.12
B	40,001 – 52,000	£1,165.64	£1,165.64
C	52,001 – 68,000	£1,332.16	£1,332.16
D	68,001 – 88,000	£1,498.68	£1,498.68
E	88,001 – 120,000	£1,831.72	£1,831.72
F	120,001 – 160,000	£2,164.76	£2,164.76
G	160,001 – 320,000	£2,497.80	£2,497.80
H	320,001 +	£2,997.36	£2,997.36

* Band A property qualifying for reduction for disability

What is my Valuation Band?

Council Tax Bands for all domestic properties in Bournemouth (and the whole of England and Wales) can be viewed at the Valuation Office website|.