Introduction

We want to make sure your payments are manageable so that you don’t fall behind. Take a look at the ways we can help you with your council tax payments.

Difficulty making payments

There are a number of things we can do to support you with your council tax bill. Please email our helpful team, on council.tax@eastriding.gov.uk, so that we can understand your circumstances and see how we can help you make your payments manageable. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the date you pay to tie in with when you get paid.

You can change your Direct Debit payment plan, check your council tax band, or see when your next payment is due in your online council tax account.

Missing payments

You can’t miss a payment without telling us about it or we will automatically start recovery. We want to make sure your payments are manageable so that you don’t fall behind. Contact us to make a request for help. This must be done, and agreed, before the payment date.

Email us on council.tax@eastriding.gov.uk and we will discuss this with you.

What happens if you do not pay – more information

Discounts, exemptions, and reductions

If you are on a low income you may be able to claim council tax support.

How much support you will receive will depend on your income and circumstances:

• working-age residents can receive a maximum of 70 per cent support towards their council tax bill
• pension age residents can receive a maximum of 100 per cent support towards their council tax bill.

Alternatively, you may make an application for a discretionary discount to reduce your council tax. As there are no set conditions for awarding this reduction, we will individually consider any applications.

For more information, please see our council tax discretionary reduction policy:

Council Tax Discretionary Reduction Scheme 2026-27 (pdf 279kb)

For more information about any discounts, exemptions, or council tax reductions, your eligibility, and how to apply:

Struggling with debt and need help

We know that money can be tight sometimes. You may feel you need to choose which bills to pay first. It is important that you do not skip your council tax because, if you do not pay, you could face criminal charges.

Please contact us as soon as you can and tell us about your money worries. We may be able to set up a plan and offer extra help so your debts are easier to manage. This can also help stop recovery action being taken.

Help and debt advice can be provided by:

More information about debt and money advice services can be found in our help for households section, under debt and money.

Overpaid council tax

If your bill, letter, or email shows that you have paid more council tax than you should have, you can ask for a refund. When we get your request, we will check your claim.

If you owe the council money for anything else, we will use the extra amount to pay that first. If you do not owe anything, we may send you a refund.

How you will receive your refund

If you pay by Direct Debit, we will send the money back to the bank or building society account we already have for you.

If you do not pay by Direct Debit, you can tell us which bank or building society account you want the refund to go to when you ask for it.