Your Services,Your Money
Your Refuse
& Recycling
Calendar INSIDE
How Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Office of the Policeand Crime Commissioner spend your money -a guide for residents and business rate payers
Published March 2015
3 3
Our Advertisers: We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the organisations whose
advertisements appear in these pages. Without their help we would not be able to produce
this booklet. However Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council, the
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS South Warwickshire CCG can accept
no responsibility for their products or services advertised.
Printed on environmentally friendly paper from renewable sources.
All information correct at time of printing.
If you find the text in this booklet difficult to readwe can supply it in a format better suited to yourneeds - please contact SDC on 01789 260105.
WELCOME
Welcome to the joint council tax booklet which sets out how Stratford-on-Avon DistrictCouncil, Warwickshire County Council and the Office of the Police and CrimeCommissioner spend your money. This booklet has been funded by advertising revenueand is produced at no cost to those involved and no cost to the council tax payer.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council collects over £77.7m from council tax on behalf of all theauthorities shown below. The total amount is then split to provide the services that are partof your everyday life.
Contents
Stratford-on-Avon District Council4
12
24
20
26
28
Warwickshire County Council
The Office of the Police andCrime Commissioner
Refuse & Recycling calendar
NHS Health information
Council tax explanatory notes
Parish3.5p
Warwickshire County Council76.4p
Stratford-on-AvonDistrict Council8.1p
The Office of the Police andCrime Commissioner12p
www.stratford.gov.uk4
A message from Councillor Chris Saint,Leader, Stratford-on-Avon District CouncilThis is the fifth year of Government funding reductions with a furtherdrop in income of £639,650 this year together with a reduction of£2,630,661 over the last four years.
Traditional Government funding has now reduced by half but some of theirpolicies offset this and we have retained £69,954 of Council Tax freeze grant from the Government.This does not cover the full cost of holding the Council Tax unchanged, which we have achieved forfour of the past five years and reducing council tax the other year.
We continue to belong to the Coventry and Warwickshire business rates pool as there are identifiablebenefits to continued membership, forecast to be £200,000 a year.
There has been an increase of £643,000 in the New Homes Bonus to £2,247,000 that can be used toprovide services to the wider population. Whilst we complain about housing imposed upon us in thewrong place, we have benefitted from this income stream at a time when the Planning Inspectoratekeep insisting that we provide new homes at too slow a rate.
As we continue to juggle the mix of good news to accompany the constraints on expenditure, wehave kept a watchful eye on effective, efficient services. This is recognised in the citizen’s panelstatistics, with residents endorsing the value for money provided by the District Council rising from81% to 91% in the past four years. We’re also 9th in England for recycling, a great achievement andthat’s thanks to you our residents who use our service so diligently.
Apart from the shared services currently undertaken, we have established joint IT working plus newjoint Legal and Democratic Services with Cherwell and South Northants Councils. We are budgetingfor savings of some £200,000 a year through joint working. There are reducing capital balances, butno new projects are planned apart from the unavoidable rolling programmes like ICT hardware andsoftware, or planned maintenance. S106 funding continues to be the major plank of developercontributions to infrastructure, but this will change once Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) policiesare finalised and that income stream starts to flow. Stratford-on-Avon District Council has had noborrowing requirement for many years, whilst still undertaking some very worthwhile projects and ourbudget should not require any Capital borrowing during the next five years.
The District Council is also committed to support the roll out of broadband and has alreadyearmarked reserves to cover our agreed obligations to support WCC in its delivery of the originalBDUK broadband project. Our approved Corporate Strategy will see the Council continue to work toimprove broadband targets during the coming year.
The District Council has a strong track record of delivering savings, year on year whist maintainingkey services. Any new expenditure is financed by accumulated savings, increases in other incomestreams and reducing budgets where there has been an overprovision in the past. We seek toprotect valued services, but maintain a sustainable position for the future. The Council is protectingimportant expenditure while looking critically at how we manage the future, preparing ourselves forsome difficult choices ahead.
Councillor C J Saint Leader – Stratford-on-Avon District Council
5STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
Stratford-on-Avon District CouncilCorporate Strategy 2015-2019VisionStratford-on-Avon District will be recognised as a place of opportunity and economicprosperity in order to provide a better quality of life for all who live, work and visit.
Our Pledge to youOur Corporate Strategy provides the Vision for the Council and sets its main objectives forthe next four years. It is set by the Council as community leaders working in partnershipwith a number of organisations.
There are three main objectives:
A flourishing localeconomy
The Council will work withpartners and localbusinesses to create jobsthrough business retention,growth and new inwardinvestment from the UKand abroad. The Councilwill encourage localbusinesses to remain andgrow and welcomes newbusiness investment. TheCouncil will continue toassist in delivering anincrease in economicprosperity in helping tocreate jobs for residents,and supporting businessesto grow and expand.
Action Plan includes:
•To deliver the Business Incubation Unit at Progress House
People and theirenvironment
The Council will work withpartners to protect thecharacter of theenvironment and supportactivities to improve thehealth and wellbeing of ourlocal communities.
Action Plan includes:
• Support the delivery of affordable housing
• Complete the Stratford Leisure and Visitor CentreImprovements
• Commence refurbishment of Alcester Lifestyles Sports Hall at Greig Centre
• Taking steps to regenerate the Co-op land site in Studley
Responsible communityleadership
The Council will supportour communities and thediversity of local interestswithin them. Whenopportunities arise, weshall embrace innovativesolutions to provide thebest results for residentsand the Council.
Action Plan includes:
• Install three more Customer Access terminals across the District
• Continue to support Broadband Delivery UK Project
£
www.stratford.gov.uk6
Where Your District Council spends its money
2014/15 2015/16EXPENDITURE £000’s £000’sHousing and Housing Benefit 28,273 28,406Recreation and Tourism 1,991 3,068Grounds Maintenance 667 691Parking Off Street 1,468 1,518Parking On Street 1,480 0Planning 4,411 4,617Environmental Health 1,960 2,033Street Cleansing 1,464 1,513Refuse Collection 3,558 3,615Council Tax / National Non-Domestic Rates 928 984Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 665 632Other Services less charges for the use of Land, Buildings and Equipment 1,576 -65
TOTAL GROSS EXPENDITURE 48,441 47,012
INCOME
Government Grants -27,133 -27,065Fees and Charges -5,892 -5,212Interest -305 -285Other (grants, rent, sales) -2,654 -1,774
TOTAL GROSS INCOME -35,984 -34,336
Contribution to / -from reserves 483 314
NET EXPENDITURE 12,940 12,990
Where Your District Council gets its money
2014/15 2015/16£000’s £000’s
Council Tax 6,285 6,337Government Formula Grant 4,403 3,679Specific Grants 146 183New Homes Bonus 1,604 2,2472.5% Council Tax Grant 302 344Retained Business Rates 200 200
TOTAL 12,940 12,990
Additional Town and Parish Council precept information
Your council tax is a local property tax that is charged in order to supplement Governmentfunding of the local services provided by public authorities. It applies to properties used bypeople as their homes. The amount of council tax you pay is dependent upon which band yourproperty is in. In addition Parish Councils throughout the District have additional expensescalled precepts, which are added in proportion to your council tax depending on where you live.
If you are on a low income and liable to pay council tax, you could be eligible to receive helptowards paying your council tax by claiming local council tax reduction. Please contact theDistrict Council on 01789 260991 to see if you are entitled to make a claim.
Band SDC charges
A £85.37B £99.59C £113.82D £128.05E £156.51F £184.96G £213.42H £256.10
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Town/Parish Year Gross Contingency Income Net PreceptExpenditure & Reserves Expenditure
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £’s
Alcester 2014/15 263 0 -53 210 209,810
2015/16 274 0 -56 218 217,730
Bidford-on-Avon 2014/15 242 8 -55 195 195,300
2015/16 228 25 -47 206 205,500
Shipston-on-Stour 2014/15 245 -5 -54 186 185,520
2015/16 251 -1 -55 195 195,160
Southam 2014/15 185 -2 -23 160 159,656
2015/16 188 -6 -17 165 164,607
Stratford-upon-Avon 2014/15 675 0 -236 439 439,219
2015/16 595 0 -143 452 451,849
Wellesbourne 2014/15 428 -239 -18 171 170,880
2015/16 132 86 -43 175 174,810
Staff - numbers have remained generally the same but therecent reduction reflects Warwickshire County Council’sdecision to review the existing method for the on-street carparking provision which as a result meant the District Council’sParking Team transferred to a private sector provider on 1 Nov2014. The figures are based on full-time equivalent employees.
Band charges for the District
Your council tax explained
Help with meeting your council tax bill
STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
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Parish Parish Parish Band DPrecept Precept Parish2014/15 2015/16 Amount
Admington £750 £750 £13.77
Alcester £209,810 £217,730 £107.26
Alderminster £5,430 £6,450 £25.07
Arrow ( & Weethley) £5,360 £5,390 £50.34
Aston Cantlow £8,980 £9,070 £34.88
Avon Dassett £9,183 £10,230 £99.91
Barton-on-the-Heath £980 £1,000 £18.16
Bearley £22,053 £22,543 £82.60
Beaudesert & Henley-in-Arden £76,994 £80,902 £57.78
Bidford-on-Avon £195,300 £205,500 £107.33
Binton £3,720 £3,760 £26.33
Bishops Itchington £70,000 £72,000 £95.45
Brailes £13,180 £13,360 £26.71
Burmington £2,580 £2,620 £39.98
Burton Dassett £14,878 £14,671 £32.29
Butlers Marston £1,350 £1,380 £14.50
Charlecote £3,500 £3,500 £41.34
Cherington & Stourton £3,850 £3,880 £17.56
Chesterton & Kingston £500 £1,000 £15.03
Claverdon £22,430 £23,170 £37.86
Clifford Chambers & Milcote £7,060 £7,430 £33.72
Combroke £3,800 £3,898 £45.03
Coughton £4,500 £4,500 £42.79
Dorsington £1,250 £1,440 £21.48
Ettington £31,514 £31,196 £61.95
Exhall £3,600 £3,510 £33.18
Farnborough £9,850 £11,100 £92.20
Fenny Compton £17,610 £17,960 £55.80
Gaydon £7,926 £8,402 £46.22
Great Alne £16,020 £16,340 £59.45
Great Wolford £1,150 £1,760 £16.96
Halford £6,730 £6,770 £45.77
Hampton Lucy £6,638 £7,570 £38.61
Harbury £78,966 £95,250 £88.21
Haselor £3,950 £3,960 £38.56
Ilmington £16,670 £17,320 £47.03
Kineton £36,140 £38,105 £44.62
Kinwarton £22,440 £28,000 £58.03
Ladbroke £4,880 £4,900 £35.44
Langley £1,200 £1,350 £14.64
Lighthorne £9,950 £13,030 £56.01
Lighthorne Heath £8,647 £8,857 £41.73
Little Compton £4,970 £5,260 £35.83
Little Wolford £430 £450 £8.74
Long Compton £13,052 £13,132 £35.42
Parish Parish Parish Band DPrecept Precept Parish2014/15 2015/16 Amount
Long Itchington £54,901 £66,000 £81.41
Loxley £6,900 £6,681 £33.76
Luddington £4,370 £4,925 £16.20
Mappleborough Green £10,210 £12,380 £40.42
Marston Sicca £7,700 £7,760 £39.00
Moreton Morrell £20,260 £20,796 £64.26
Napton-on-the-Hill £31,776 £32,578 £71.59
Newbold Pacey & Ashorne £5,440 £5,550 £44.05
Old Stratford & Drayton £3,869 £0 £0.00
Oxhill £2,360 £2,470 £14.26
Pillerton Hersey £1,580 £1,580 £16.75
Pillerton Priors £2,880 £4,580 £31.80
Preston-on-Stour £2,250 £4,050 £51.91
Priors Hardwick £1,450 £1,710 £20.15
Priors Marston £16,330 £17,500 £67.32
Quinton £19,680 £23,180 £28.27
Radway £8,158 £8,321 £75.27
Ratley & Upton £9,270 £11,430 £77.45
Salford Priors £41,450 £44,110 £91.55
Sambourne £8,397 £7,957 £23.57
Shipston-on-Stour £185,520 £195,160 £100.96
Shotteswell £5,440 £5,430 £45.66
Snitterfield £22,650 £23,440 £42.26
Southam £159,656 £164,607 £76.09
Stockton £18,835 £19,843 £43.56
Stratford-upon-Avon £439,219 £451,849 £38.32
Stretton-on-Fosse £5,020 £5,060 £25.54
Studley £123,329 £132,167 £71.28
Sutton-under-Brailes £5,860 £1,970 £37.04
Tanworth-in-Arden £45,560 £46,020 £30.10
Temple Grafton £3,500 £3,650 £16.11
Tredington £19,290 £24,450 £36.41
Tysoe £12,475 £21,313 £43.38
Ufton £6,290 £6,210 £58.99
Ullenhall £6,460 £6,500 £19.03
Warmington £7,900 £7,740 £44.42
Welford-on-Avon £20,022 £20,252 £29.36
Wellesbourne £170,880 £174,810 £74.91
Whichford £5,040 £5,040 £29.54
Wilmcote £22,365 £23,905 £50.92
Wixford £7,000 £7,000 £87.96
Wolverton £1,920 £1,930 £15.92
Wootton Wawen £18,688 £19,162 £34.57
TOTAL £2,561,921 £2,701,462
Average £54.63
Parish Council Precepts
STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
www.warwickshire.gov.uk12
It is my pleasure to introduce Warwickshire County Council’ssection of the council tax booklet for 2015/16. In it, the countycouncil details how we will spend the money available to us inorder to improve the quality of life for residents and to provide theservices that enable everybody to go about their daily lives.
It is of course against a very difficult financial backdrop that we are doing this. Last year weannounced a four year savings programme which identified reductions in our spendingcapability of £92m. We are now in the second year of the One Organisational Plan which willsee us deliver the second year of the savings due by the end of March 2018.
All local authorities must play a part in reducing the country’s deficit and, as a consequence,we have all seen our grants from central government reduced. Although the general economicpicture is somewhat brighter, public spending will continue to be squeezed for the foreseeablefuture and it may be some time before local authorities see their spending increase.
Our finances, however, do not rely solely on government grants. We also receive County Counciltax from you, our residents.
At our recent council meeting, we set the increase at 1.95%, which equates on average to a44p per week increase for a typical household. We have tried to keep any council tax rises toan absolute minimum, but with a growing population, and more people living longer that requiremore of our resources, it has been necessary to make the slight increase.
We are absolutely committed to giving value for money and to tackling some of the prioritiesthat we have identified to give the most benefit to our county's residents.
You will see in the following pages how we will continue to provide social care for our mostvulnerable residents, and to work with partners to help older people to stay healthy andindependent. We will work with schools to ensure that our young people have the very beststart in life and that they are safe while they learn, at school, out of school and online. We willcontinue to create a transport infrastructure that will enable economic growth within the county.We will work to keep our communities safe and reduce accidents on our roads.
Over the following pages, just how we will spend our money is broken down into detail. But Ihope that it will clearly illustrate that the county council is still doing a huge amount to makeWarwickshire a great place to live, learn and do business.
If you would like to know more about how Warwickshire County Council is responding to thechallenges that affect your lives on a daily basis, please look at the website atwww.warwickshire.gov.uk/businessplan
A message from Councillor Izzi Seccombe,Leader, Warwickshire County Council
13 13WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
How our spending has changed
2015/2016 ChangeCentral government £ millions £ millions
Revenue support grant 55.6 (17.8)Specific Government grants 322.4 7.5Business rates 59.1 1.2
Local income
Council tax 227.4 8.7Extra or shortfall on council tax collected 2.0 (1.1)from previous yearsFees and charges 66.0 (1.3)Use of reserves 3.4 9.3
Total service costs 735.9 6.5
£ millionsPlanned Spending last year 2014/2015 353.1
Add:
Inflation 8.4 Spending Pressures 8.1
Less:Change in the use of reserves (9.3)Savings (11.6)Other one off changes (4.6)
Planned Spending for 2015/2016 344.1
Where the money comes from
In 2015/2016, our total day-to-day spending on services (before we receive anyincome) is £735.9 million. We are spending £6.5 million more than last year, when we spent £729.4 million.
The money we spend comes from central government and local income.
The table below shows our current funding.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk14
Capital spending
Apart from our day-to-day costs, we also spend money on land, buildings, new roads, majormaintenance work and vehicles.The chart below shows our planned capital spending of £94.1 million in 2015/2016
How many staff we employ
These figures do not include staff in schools. Staff numbers have reduced becausewe are continuing to change the way we deliver our services to make them moreefficient and we will be employing fewer staff to run our services.
These figures are based on the estimated number of full-time equivalent staff (for example, if two people share one job and both work part-time, they are countedas one full-time staff member).
Council Tax
The chart below shows ourcouncil tax for properties ineach valuation band
15WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Notes:
Figures may not sum due to rounding.
'Other services' includes financing, banking and managing money and insurance.
We estimate that in 2015/2016, 557,414 people will be living in Warwickshire.
2014/2015 2015/2016 SPENDING
Spending Spending Income Spending Cost forafter before after each
income income income person£ millions £ millions £ millions £ millions £
Children & Young People including Schools 71.4 356.5 -283.9 72.6 90.7Adult Social Care 117.1 161.9 -45.5 116.4 208.8Resources and Support Services 40.7 53.0 -12.1 40.9 73.4Economic Growth 21.8 26.0 -4.3 21.7 39.0including waste disposalPublic Health 0.4 23.5 -23.0 0.5 0.9Localities and Community Safety 7.9 12.5 -4.0 8.5 15.3Transport and Highways 26.0 36.3 -10.6 25.7 46.0Fire and Rescue 19.2 19.7 -0.7 19.0 34.2Other Services 42.7 46.5 -4.3 42.2 115.4
Service costs 347.2 735.9 -388.4 347.5 623.5 Money taken from or 5.9 -3.4 -3.4 -6.1put in to our savings
Our budget 353.1 732.5 -388.4 344.1 617.4
Less money from the Government:
Revenue Support Grant -73.4 -55.6 -99.8 Business rates -57.9 -59.1 -106.1Extra or shortfall on council tax -3.1 -2.0 -3.5collection from previous years
Amount we will raise from 218.7 227.4 408.0 the council tax (£ million)
Tax base 185,641.8 189,320.1
Band-D council tax (£) £1,178.19 £1,201.14
How the moneyis spent
A Message from Ron Ball,Warwickshire Police andCrime Commissioner
There is no doubt that 2015/16 will be a toughyear for policing across the country, with theUK's policing budget being cut by £300million.Whilst the Strategic Alliance has meant thatWarwickshire and West Mercia Police are in astronger position than most forces,Warwickshire will still need to deliver savings of between £10 – £11million over the next five years.
This is why I have decided upon a 1.99%increase to the policing precept. This wouldmean paying 30 pence extra on yourmonthly council tax bill on a Band Dproperty, or one penny a day. I am notmaking this proposal lightly, but how policingwill look in the future is dependent ondecisions being made now.
If current rates remained frozen,Warwickshire’s financial burden would growby an additional £3.1m over the next fiveyears, seriously impacting on policing in thecounty. We currently have one of the lowestlevels of traditional crime and this is steadilyfalling. We have taken action on key issues,which has led to significant improvements inconvictions for domestic violence and rape,and reductions in serious acquisitive crimessuch as robbery and burglary. Howeverwithout funding, all of this vital work could beput at risk.
We have seen strong successes in Stratfordupon Avon – our six dedicated Community
Safety Ambassadors in the area act as my‘eyes and ears’ to help me identify emerginglocal issues. I have also built a strongrelationship with MP Nadhim Zahawi, andrecently met with the Leader and ChiefExecutive of Stratford District Council. Weare also hosting our bimonthly PublicScrutiny Meeting in Stratford upon Avon inMarch. In addition, we are working to tacklerural crime and will soon be launching thehorse mounted police volunteers scheme. Inaddition we are stepping up our efforts to getto grips with cybercrime, which is costingthe UK £27bn a year.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I amcommitted to ensuring that we have thepolice resource we need to keep ourresidents safe and will continue to strive tokeep crime rates low across the county.
Ron Ball
www.warwickshire.nhs.uk26
Your health NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)commissions health services, advice, prevention and interventions forpatients in South Warwickshire.
In Stratford this means commissioning services at your local hospitals aswell as a vast array of community services which provide care at home.
NHS 111If you need medical help fast but it’s not a life-threatening situation, you can callthe NHS 111 number. When you call 111, a trained adviser will ask you questionsto find out what’s wrong, give you medical advice and direct you to someonewho can help you, like an out-of-hours doctor or a community nurse.
If the adviser thinks your condition is more serious, they will direct you to hospitalor send an ambulance. If you don’t speak English, tell the adviser what languageyou want to speak and they will get you an interpreter. You can call 111 any timeof the day. The call is free, from landlines and mobiles.
HospitalsStratford Minor Injuries Unit South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust runs theMinor Injuries Unit from Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital. This nurse led unit is open7 days a week, 9am-5pm. Please note that there is no x-ray at the weekends.
This unit can treat patients with minor injuries for example; minor burns, generalfractures e.g. wrist fracture and cuts to the head, with no loss of consciousness.If in doubt you can contact the unit to seek advice on whether they can help on01789 205831 ext. 5270
Stratford-upon-Avon HospitalArden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NX. Tel. 01789 205831
Ellen Badger HospitalStratford Road, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4AX. Tel. 01608 661410
Warwick HospitalLakin Road, Warwick CV34 5BW. Tel. 01926 495321
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The Accident and Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The role of the department is to provide medical and nursing advice, care andtreatment to patients attending with:
• Life threatening injuries and illnesses• Moderate to severe injuries and illnesses• Minor injuries that cannot be managed by a pharmacist, GP or Minor Injuries Unit
Call 999 if it is an emergency or a life-threatening situation.If it’s not an emergency there are a number of other local health services thatcan help you and you should call 111 if you are unsure which service you shouldchoose.
GP practicesGP practices offer a range of services including: treatment for minor injuries,cuts, grazing and bruising; health checks, screening and family planningadvice; referral to other specialist services; prescriptions; child health checks;immunisation and vaccines.
For advice on registering with a GP in your area, visit:www.southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk
For a GP out of hours call 111.
DentistsRegular check ups at a dentist can help prevent serious dental problems in thelong run. To find details of dentists in your area, visit:www.southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk
PharmaciesAs well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services andprovide ‘on the spot’ help and advice on minor ailments such as: coughs, cold orflu; skin conditions; allergies; aches and pains; indigestion, diarrhoea; help losingweight or giving up smoking.
To find your nearest pharmacy visit: www.southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk
Stop Smoking Services Need help to give up smoking?Freephone 0800 085 2917 or text LIFE to 8080
Better healthcare for everyone
www.stratford.gov.uk28
The Valuation Office Agency, not the Council, allocates a valuation band to every home. Thebanding is based on the value of your home at 1 April 1991. The Council uses the valuationbanding to work out your council tax bill.
Please contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)and ask to have it reviewed. The contact detailsare as follows:Telephone: 03000 501501Email: [email protected]: The Listing Officer, Council Tax West,Valuation Office Agency, Overline House,Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, SO15 1GW.
Please bear in mind that if your home is already inBand A, the lowest band, the VOA cannot reducethe band further.
Further information is also available atwww.voa.gov.uk.
If, having raised your query with the VOA, you stillbelieve your banding is incorrect; you can make aformal challenge (known as a proposal to alter thelist) but only under limited circumstances.
Generally you can only make a proposal withinSIX MONTHS of:• Becoming a new council tax payer for aproperty.• The VOA notifying you that your banding haschanged.
You can also appeal at any time if:• Your property has been demolished.
• Physical changes in the local area or to theproperty itself has had an adverse effect on the 1 April 1991 market value.• Your property has been adapted to make theproperty suitable for someone with a disability.
For a full list of circumstances when a validproposal is permitted visit www.voa.gov.uk or contact The Valuation Office by telephone on03000 501501 or by fax on 03000 504370.
As well as banding appeals, you may also appealif you consider that you are not liable to paycouncil tax, for example, because you are not theresident or owner, or because your property isexempt, or that Stratford-on-Avon District Councilhas made a mistake in calculating your bill. If youwish to appeal on these grounds you must first tellStratford-on-Avon District Council in writing so thatwe can reconsider your case.
You can get details of the appeal procedures(including the role of Valuation Tribunals) fromEnterprise, Housing and Revenues on 01789 260990.
Band Range of Values
A Up to and including £40,000
B £40,001 to £52,000
C £52,001 to £68,000
D £68,001 to £88,000
E £88,001 to £120,000
F £120,001 to £160,000
G £160,001 to £320,000
H More than £320,000
Council tax explanatory notes
Querying your council tax band
Your council tax bill shows which band applies to your home.
Other appeals
29
You should note that making an appeal does notallow you to withhold payment of the tax. If yourappeal is successful you will be entitled to a refundof any overpayment.
If only one person has their sole or main residencein your home you are entitled to a 25% discount.Dependent upon the status of your property youmay be entitled to a discount if your property isunoccupied. Discounts can also be claimedbecause certain people may not be included whencounting the number of people in your household.For example those who may be disregardedinclude people caring for someone who is not aspouse, partner or child under 18; students;apprentices; student nurses; youth trainingtrainees and people with severe mental impairment.
If you think you may be entitled to a discountwhich is not shown on your bill, please contact theCouncil on 01789 260990. If your bill indicatesthat a discount has been allowed, you must tellStratford-on-Avon District Council of any change ofcircumstances which affects your entitlement. Ifyou do not you may have to pay a penalty of £70the first time this happens, and £280 every timeafterwards.
Some classes of dwellings are exempt, even whenoccupied. For more information visitwww.stratford.gov.uk/counciltaxor telephone 01789 260990.
If you or someone who lives with you, needs anextra room (which could include an extra bathroomor kitchen), which is predominantly used (whetherfor providing therapy or otherwise) by a qualifyingdisabled resident, or there is space which isrequired for them to use their wheelchair indoors,you may be entitled to a reduced council tax bill.Relief is given by charging tax as if your homewere in the next lowest band. Your bill will show ifyou have been granted relief. Please contact theCouncil on 01789 260990 for details if you thinkthat this relief may apply to you. Band A dwellingsare charged at 5/9 of a Band D dwelling.
The Local Government Act 2003 introduced arange of new powers and regulations. The Actgave new powers to councils with regard tocouncil tax discounts available in respect ofsecond homes and empty properties.
Further changes were then introduced by theLocal Government Finance Act 2012 with cameinto force on the 1 April 2013.
These changes are:
• Properties that are furnished and are no one’ssole or main residence (unoccupied), for examplesecond homes, will no longer receive a 10%discount.
• Properties that become unfurnished andunoccupied which have been such for acontinuous period of less than 3 months will haveno charge for the first 3 months and will then revertto a full charge. Any one period, not exceeding sixweeks, during which it is re-occupied shall bedisregarded when considering if it should qualifyfor the 3 months again.
• Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnishedfor over 2 years will be subject to a 150% charge.
New regulations allow for you to request to payyour instalments over 12 months from April toMarch. You must put the request in writing toEnterprise, Housing and Revenues or [email protected] before the 10thApril of the relevant council tax year.
If you are experiencing difficulties in paying yourcouncil tax bill please contact the Council as youmay be entitled to Council Tax Reduction. This is alocal means-tested support scheme. For details ofthe scheme including entitlement and to obtain aclaim form please telephone the Council on 01789260991 or write to us at: Enterprise, Housing andRevenues, Elizabeth House, Church Street,Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX.Alternatively you obtain the information via theCouncil’s website atwww.stratford.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction
People with disabilities
Discounts
Second homes and empty properties
Council Tax Reduction
Paying your Council Tax
STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
Exempt dwellings
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