Your Council Tax or Business Rates bill for 2023-2024 will be arriving soon. We expect our phone lines will be exceptionally busy and we apologise for any delays.

If you need help or information, it's quicker to use our website, which is available 24/7. We've answered some common questions below to help you.

I'm trying to ring but I cannot get through. What can I do?

We're extremely busy speaking to customers at the moment, and we apologise for any delays. The quickest way to get in touch with us is to use our online services, which are available 24/7. If you have a question about Council Tax or Business Rates, you can use the Council Tax enquiry form. If you have a question about benefits (including Council Tax Reduction), you can use the benefits enquiry form.

If you're unable to use our online forms, please try calling back next week.

How will I pay my Council Tax this year?

You can see your payment method on the bottom of your bill.

I would like to change my payment method or payment date

If you pay by cash -
Monthly cash payments are due on the 1st of each month. There are no alternative dates available for customers who pay by cash on a monthly basis. To pay by cash on a weekly or fortnightly basis, please call us on 01642 726006 and choose option 3.

If you pay by Direct Debit -
We offer a range of payment dates for customers who pay by Direct Debit. You can set up a Direct Debit using your Council Tax account.

If you already pay by Direct Debit, you can make a change to your Direct Debit using your Council Tax account.

My new bill shows an outstanding balance carried forward from 2022-2023

Your new bill was produced on 4 March 2023. If you made a payment after this date, it will not be shown on your new bill. If you paid the full amount you owe after 3 March 2023, you do not need to contact us.

I've applied for a discount or exemption but it's not showing on my new bill

Your new bill was produced on 4 March 2023. If you applied recently, the discount or exemption will not be shown on your new bill.

It can take up to 3 weeks for us to apply a discount or exemption to your account. We'll contact you once we've decided whether you're eligible. Until then, you must pay the amounts shown on your latest bill. We'll send you a new bill once we've applied the discount or exemption.

I've applied for Council Tax Reduction but it's not showing on my new bill

Your new bill was produced on 4 March 2023. If your claim was awarded after 4 March 2023, the reduction will not be shown on your new bill.

It can take up to 6 weeks for us to apply a Council Tax Reduction to your account. We'll contact you once we've decided whether you're eligible. Until then, you must pay the amounts shown on your latest bill. We'll send you a new bill if you qualify for Council Tax Reduction and the amount you’ll need to pay has changed.

I think my Council Tax band is too high

The Valuation Office (VOA) decides what your Council Tax band is. If you want to appeal against your Council Tax band, you'll need to contact the VOA. You must pay the amounts shown on your latest bill until the Valuation Office makes a decision about your appeal.

What is Council Tax for?

The money raised through Council Tax helps us to deliver services to the people of Middlesbrough every day. You can find out more on the Council Tax charges page.

Some of the money from your Council Tax is also given to Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police to help keep our communities safe. We do not decide how much of your Council Tax goes to the fire brigade and police - please contact them directly if you have any questions.

I cannot afford to pay my new bill

Council Tax is an important bill, and you'll need to make sure you pay it.

If you're struggling to pay, you might be eligible to get help with your bill. Some people (including students, people with disabilities, and people living alone) might be eligible for a Council Tax discount. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible to get Council Tax Reduction.

If you're still struggling to pay, please call 01642726006 and choose option 3 to speak to a revenues and benefits officer.

You might be able to get help with paying your bills. You can find out more about the support available in the benefits and Council Tax section.