How Much Council Tax is Rising in Guildford

Published on: 9 Mar, 2022
Updated on: 12 Mar, 2022

By Julie Armstrong

local democracy reporter

Every home in Surrey will have its council tax bill hiked from next month.

All district councils, Surrey County Council and the police and crime commissioner have raised their share of the council tax bill to pay for their services, meaning council tax for Band D households all across the county will increase by at least £92.31 for the year.

And then there are parish and town council charges to add on, where these exist.

The county council – responsible for roads, schools and social care – raised its portion of the bill by 4.99 per cent, including 3 per cent ring-fenced for adult social care and 1 per cent for mental health. Overall it’s an extra £77.31 a year for Band D.

The police and crime commissioner’s office, which aims to support victims, reduce reoffending and increase safety within communities, put its share up by £10 for Band D, 3.5 per cent.

This will help to pay for for the PCC’s £71,400 salary and deputy PCC’s £54,620 salary and another £633,150 in staff salaries, including a new communications officer.

Every district or borough council – responsible for waste collection, housing and car parks – has raised their portion by about £5, which is the maximum the Government allows them to.

They are the ones who collect your council tax, but they only get to keep a small share of the bill, generally about 11 per cent.

Homes fall into one of eight different tax bands, A-H, depending on how much the property could sell for. Band D is average, with Band A homes paying the least and Band H homes the most.

Here’s how much council tax Guildford residents will pay in the year from April, per property band:

Band A: £1,405.86

Band B: £1,640.16

Band C: £1,874.47

Band D: £2,108.78

Band E: £2,577.40

Band F: £3,046.01

Band G: £3,514.64

Band H: £4,217.56

The bill for Band D households in Guildford will be £2,108.78, excluding parish and town councils, which for Band D ranges from no extra charge for Wisley to an additional £109.36 for Normandy.

£150 Council Tax rebate to support households

If you live in a property in council tax bands A to D, you are likely to receive a one-off payment of £150 from the government to help with rising energy costs. The rebate will not need to be repaid.

Council Leader Joss Bigmore, said: “Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in demand for energy has meant energy prices have increased. Over the past year, the price of gas alone has quadrupled. With the effect being felt by households across the UK, including here in Guildford, the government is providing financial help.”

The government has announced that the £150 payment will be made between April 2022 and 30 September 2022.

To be eligible for a £150 council tax rebate, households must be living in a property valued in council tax bands A to D as their main home. The property must not be exempt from council tax or a second home. Only one payment will be made per household.

The government has also provided GBC with limited funds to make some discretionary payments. These are for those struggling with energy bills who live in bands E to H. Details of who will qualify will be available soon.

Those paying council tax by direct debit, ie most cases, will have the rebate go directly into their bank account.

The council will confirm how those who don’t pay by Direct Debit,   will be paid the rebate. They are advised by the council to sign up now so the rebate is paid as quickly as possible. This can be done by registering for a My Guildford account.

A council spokesperson said: “Please do not contact us to chase this payment, we will be in touch with you. We will process the payments as soon as possible.”

The latest information is available on the GBC website.

Read more about the council tax energy rebate on the government website.

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