Ways to pay your council tax

Find out about the different ways you can pay your council tax.

Pay by direct debit

This is the most convenient way to pay your council tax, saving you time as your bills are paid automatically.

Set up a direct debit

You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which promises that you'll get your money back straight away if anything goes wrong.

Paying by instalments

Payment of council tax is usually by 10 monthly instalments from April to January, but you can choose to pay 12 instalments over a full year.

Instalments are normally due on the first of the month, however direct debit payers can choose between the 1st, 8th, 15th or 22nd of each month.

You can also pay for the whole year at once or by two half-yearly instalments.

If the amount you have to pay changes during the year, for example because your entitlement to a discount, exemption or council tax support changes, you will receive a new bill. This will show the new amount for the year and the new instalments you will have to pay.

Apply to pay by 12 instalments

Pay your council tax online

We accept Mastercard or Visa credit cards, Visa debit cards, Delta or Maestro. 

Payment security: To protect your data and provide a higher level of security, you will need to use the following browser versions (or above) to make payments: Chrome 30; Android 4.4; Firefox 24; Internet Explorer 8; Opera 17; Safari 7 with OSX 10.9; Safari mobile IOS 5. Please upgrade your browser if you need to.

Make a payment

Pay by phone

Using a credit or debit card, call 020 8825 9940.

We accept Mastercard or Visa credit cards, Visa debit cards, Delta or Maestro. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pay at a bank

To pay at your own bank, or for standing orders, internet or phone banking, please use:

  • sort code: 30-00-00
  • account number: 02390140
  • reference: your council tax account number

Pay in person

You can use the barcode on your bill to make cash payments at any PayPoint outlet.

SMS text messaging

We may send you a text message reminding you of the council tax balance to be paid.