Council Tax

• Payments - As from 1 April 2024 we will no longer be taking payments over the phone via our Customer Services Contact Centre.  You will be able to make your payments online: https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/payonline
  
  Alternatively for some payments like Council Tax, Business Rates and Rent payments you can use our touch-tone 24 hour service by calling 01493 846117 - please remember to have your reference number handy, for example for Council Tax this number starts with 66 (10 digits).
  
  Why not sign up for Direct Debit for those services like Council Tax that you can pay by monthly instalments.
• Council Tax Support Scheme Changes - From 1 April 2024, the maximum council tax support award reduces from 91.5% to 80% of the Council Tax liability. This means that the level of council tax support you receive maybe less. This change does not affect Care Leavers or pension age customers. 
  
  From the 1st of April, the Council will be administering a council tax hardship scheme that residents of working age who are in financial difficulties and in receipt of council tax support will be able to apply for. Awards will be made based on individual circumstances and subject to the overall limit of the hardship fund. Residents will be able to apply for financial assistance  by contacting the Council from the 1st April 2024 by telephone on 01493 846244 or by email ctax@great-yarmouth.gov.uk
  
  Full details of the scheme can be found on https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction-scheme

Other Changes

• Long Term Empty Properties- As of 1 April 2024 the levy rate for Long Term Empty Properties as defined in the Regulations is set at the following:
  
  100% for properties that have been empty for one year and less than five years. This was previously set at two years or over in 2023/24.
• IMPORTANT - Notice is also hereby given that the Council resolved on 14 December 2023 that with effect from 1 April 2025, to use its discretionary powers granted under Section 11A and B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to charge an additional 100% Council Tax premium on properties where there is no resident, and they are furnished and are currently in Class B of the above regulations. This resolution is subject to forthcoming legislation and guidance.