Paying your Council Tax

Direct Debit

Payment may be made by Direct Debit from your bank or building society account.

• Online - Complete a Direct Debit online
• Download - You can download a Direct Debit form
• In writing - Director of Resources, PO Box 49, Barry CF63 4YN.

Changed bank account details - Please complete a Direct Debit online

Council Cash Office

Payment may be made at the following Council Cash Office free of charge using the swipe card provided:

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Civic Offices

Holton Road

Barry

CF63 4RU.

Opening Hours: 10am - 2pm, Tuesday and Thursday.

Post Offices

Payment may be made at local Post Offices during normal business hours, free of charge, using the swipe card provided.

By Post

They should not be addressed to an individual Officer. Please ensure that your Council Tax Account Number is written on the back of your cheque.

Bank Payments

Please ensure that you quote your Council Tax account number.

Master / Visa / Switch / Solo / Deltacard

Payment can be accepted using these cards; yearly or monthly by phone:

• 01446 729556

or at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4RU.

Problems with Payment

If you have difficulty in paying your Council Tax an arrangement can be made with you.

Council Tax Remission - Section 13A

Council Tax FAQ's

Questions about your bill? Please view our Council Tax Billing webpage.

• How do I check if my Direct Debit is set up?
  Look at the bottom of your bill to see how your instalments are set up:

   

  • If your payment method is shown as ‘Direct Debit’, you don’t need to do anything. Your payments will continue.
  • If your payment method is listed as ‘Instalment’ or anything else, you’re not paying by Direct Debit. You’ll need to either continue paying manually, or set up a new Direct Debit using the form included with your bill or complete the form online.

   

  Direct Debit online form

• I've already contacted you but haven't heard back. What should I do? 

  We’re sorry you’ve been waiting to hear from us. We’re currently receiving a high number of requests, so it may take up to 8 weeks to process your enquiry. We’re working hard to reduce wait times, and we appreciate your patience. 

   

  You don’t need to contact us again - we’ll be in touch as soon as we have an update or if we need more information. 

• What does my Council Tax pay for?  
  Council Tax helps fund essential services in Vale of Glamorgan. 

   

  In 2025/26: 

  • 71% of the Council’s budget went to schools and , social care, transport, housing, and homelessness. 

  • Waste and recycling received 3%, and highway maintenance got 2%. 

   

  You can see the full budget breakdown here:

   

  Council Tax News 2026-27

• Can I pay my bill over 12 months instead of 10?  

  Yes! We can spread your payments over 12 months instead of 10. If you already pay by Direct Debit or would like to pay by Direct Debit, your payment date will need to be on 27th of each month.

   

  To set this up, use our Contact Us form or write to us requesting the change. 

• Can I pay weekly?  

   Yes, we can set this up for you. Just fill in our Contact Us form and select “Payment Arrangement” to request the change.

   

  If you choose to pay weekly, you won’t be able to pay by Direct Debit - but we can talk you through other ways to pay. 

• My bill is missing the Single Person Discount – what should I do?  
  You can apply for the Single Person Discount online. To request a discount, use our Contact Us form to apply. 
• Why does my bill show a balance from my previous account?  

  If you have an outstanding balance on your account, you’ll find it at the bottom of your Opening Bill. You can choose to pay it in full or get in touch with us to set up a payment plan to spread the cost alongside your payments for the new financial year. 

   

  Please note: Any payments or changes made to your account after 9 March 2026 won’t appear on your Opening Bill. 

• What does 'Other Discount' mean?  

  This discount applies when we treat someone as a single occupant for Council Tax, even though other adults live in the property. 

   

  This is most common when: 

   

  • Other adults in the home are full-time students or 

  • Someone in the household is significantly cognitively impaired 

  • Carers 

• Can I get a discount if I don’t use all Council services?  
   No, Council Tax funds many services across the community, and the cost isn’t based on individual use. Even if you don’t use every service, you still need to pay the full amount. 
• Can my Council Tax band be changed?  
  Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), not the Council. To challenge your banding, contact the VOA at 03000 505 505 or visit their website. 
• What is a premium and why has it been added to my Council Tax bill?  
  From 1 April 2023, extra charges apply to some properties: 

   

  • If your home has been empty for over a year, you'll now pay double the annual rate (100% premium) 

  • If it's been empty for over two years, you'll pay two and a half times the annual rate (150% premium) 

  • If it’s been empty for over three years, you’ll pay three times the annual rate (200% premium) 

  • If you own a second home, you'll also pay double the annual rate (100% premium) 

   

  These changes were made by the Welsh Government to help Councils manage housing supply. Councils can now charge up to four times the usual rate (up to 300% extra) for long-term empty or second homes.