Council Tax
About Council Tax
You can now arrange to pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit online.
Check Your Current Council Tax Balance.
Council Tax amounts for 2008/09.
What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is a local property based tax which helps fund local services provided by Lancashire County Council (including Education), Burnley Borough Council, Lancashire Fire Authority and the Lancashire Police Authority. Approximately 71% of your Council Tax bill is for Lancashire County Council. Burnley Council retains approximately 16% of your Council Tax, which is explained in the Council Tax Leaflet 2008-09.
Each domestic dwelling is placed in a valuation band (A-H). The Band of your property is the assumed market value as at 1st April 1991 and is determined by the Valuation Office, an executive agency of the Inland Revenue. Most houses in Burnley fall into bands A and B. Check the valuation band of any property by visiting the Valuation Office website.
The Council Tax charge is set against the middle band (Band D) every February and all other bands above and below are charged an apportionment of the Band D figure (ie: Band A is 6/9th's, Band B is 7/9th's). Parish Councils may also charge a precept; if you live in Padiham, Briercliffe, Cliviger, Worsthorne or Habergham Eaves you will notice this additional charge on your bill.
Who Pays Council Tax?
The main resident, who is normally the owner or tenant of the dwelling, is liable to pay the Council Tax. If you live with your spouse or partner you may both be jointly liable for the bill.
If you are the owner/landlord of a vacant property you may also be charged Council Tax.
You can notify us of a change of address by downloading a Change of Circumstances form which you complete and return to us, or you can notify us online.
Taxpayers may qualify for reductions or exemptions from the Council Tax and these are outlined in the links below.
Access our Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions.
