Frequently asked questions relating to 2024 to 2025 Council Tax bills, benefit letters and rent bills
I reported a change in my circumstances, but this has not been taken into account in my new benefit letter
This is because the benefit letter you have received notifying you of changes from April 2024 is based on information we held on 22 February 2024. If changes have been made after 22 February 2024 these notices won’t be sent until after 11 March 2024.
I reported a change in my circumstances, but this has not been taken into account in my Council Tax bill for 1 April 2024
This is because your Council Tax bill is based on information we held on 22 February 2024. You will receive a revised bill after 11 March 2024 detailing your new Council Tax charge for the year. If you have made a payment since 22 February 2024 or have a direct debit set up to pay your Council Tax which covers any outstanding arrears, you can ignore the arrears request on your bill. Further information can be found in the guide to Council Tax 2024/25.
Why has my Council Tax increased from 1 April 2024?
From 1 April 2024, all households will see an increase in their Council Tax charge of 5.79% on last year. Enfield Council has increased the tax by 4.99%. That is 2.99% for Enfield Council, plus a 2% levy to pay for adult social care services. The Greater London Authority precept has increased by 8.58%. As a result, all households will see an increase in their Council Tax charge of 5.79%.
Why has my Council Tax Support reduced from 1 April 2024?
The council has decided to review the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25, due to severe budget pressures and the need to reduce costs to keep council service cuts to a minimum.
Under the new Council Tax Support Scheme, from 1 April 2024:
- Council Tax Support will be restricted to a maximum Band C Council Tax liability
- a minimum non-dependent deduction will apply to households with other adults living in the property. Existing deductions will increase by 20%.
- the maximum Council Tax Support for working age claimants will reduce to 50%. War pensioners and single claimants under the age of 25 are not subject to this change.
If you have had a recent change in your income or household circumstances your entitlement to Council Tax Support may have reduced. For more information, see our Council Tax Support page or check your notification letters.
I cannot afford to pay this year’s Council Tax even though I receive Council Tax Support
If you are having difficulties paying the increased Council Tax charge you may be entitled to claim a Council Tax Hardship payment. You need to be in receipt of Council Tax Support to apply for a hardship payment. For more information and to make a claim, please see our Council Tax Support Hardship Scheme page.
I have been charged double Council Tax for my empty property
From 1 April 2024 a long-term empty property premium is charged after a property has been empty and unfurnished for one year. Prior to this the premium was only charged on properties that had remained empty and unfurnished for over 2 years.
Can I pay my Council Tax over a longer period?
Yes, Council Tax payments can be spread over 12 monthly instalments. You should request this as soon as possible by emailing revs@enfield.gov.uk. Please put your Council Tax account number in the subject area within <xxxxxxxx> for a quicker response. Whilst awaiting a response, please continue to make payments towards your Council Tax as stated in your most recent bill. A revised instalment plan will be sent once your request has been processed and will take into consideration any payments already received.
I have made a payment which is not showing on my Council Tax account
Any payments made after 22 February 2024 will not show on your bill. If you think that a payment you made is missing, first check your payment history in your Enfield Connected account. If the payment is not showing, email revs@enfield.gov.uk. Please state the date of payment, if it was made on-line or in person, the name of the bank, the amount of payment, the sort code and bank account number the payment was made to, and finally please provide evidence of the payment being made.
I cannot afford to pay the arrears on my bill in one payment. Can I spread the arrears over a longer period?
You can agree a payment arrangement by emailing revs@enfield.gov.uk. This should include your payment offer to clear the arrears. Please put your council tax account number in the subject area within <xxxxxxxx> for a quicker response.
Where can I get more information on services and help with my Council Tax?
By registering for an Enfield Connected account, you can:
- pay your Council Tax simply and easily by Direct Debit
- check your balance and payment history
- inform us of a change in circumstances by editing your account profile
- download application forms for discounts
I am a council tenant, when will I receive notice of my rent charge from April 2024?
Notice of your rent charge will be sent from 28 February 2024. Your rent payment schedule will be sent around mid-Marchand will have details of any Housing Benefit awards and the amount to be paid. This will be sent separately to Council Tax and Benefit notification letters.
Where can I get more information on services and help with my rent?
By registering for an Enfield Connected account, you can check your entitlement to benefit and apply for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if you are not already receiving help towards your rent.
I cannot get through on the phone
Please email us, do not ring us as you may be held in a queue. This is the busiest time of year for us. We send out over 127,000 council tax bills alone. The best way to get a detailed answer is to email us at revs@enfield.gov.uk. Please either put your council tax account number or your Housing Benefit reference number in the subject area within <xxxxxxxx> for a quicker response.
Updated April 2024