Brighton Council Tax Bills, Bands, Pay Online, Discounts & Phone Number Help
A practical Brighton & Hove Council Tax guide for residents who need to understand a bill, check 2026/27 bands, pay online, pay by phone, find the Council Tax phone number, apply for discounts, claim Council Tax Reduction or get help after a reminder notice.
🔒 Official Brighton & Hove Council Tax Resources
Brighton Council Tax Guide for Bills, Bands, Payment and Phone Number
Brighton & Hove Council Tax is the local household charge used to fund council services, Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire Authority. Your bill depends on your property band, any special area charge, discounts, Council Tax Reduction, arrears, credits and changes in your household.
Most Brighton residents search for Council Tax help because they want to pay a bill, find their account number, check Band A to H rates, phone the Council Tax team, apply for Single Person Discount, claim Council Tax Reduction or get help after receiving a reminder notice.
This guide is independent and cannot access your private account. For payments, account updates, bills, reductions, legal decisions and arrears support, always use Brighton & Hove City Council or GOV.UK official pages.
Bills and account number
Your 10-digit Council Tax account number is important for payments, enquiries and forms. Keep your latest bill ready before starting.
Bands and yearly rates
Brighton & Hove publishes the annual Council Tax rate for each band. Some special areas can have different totals.
Discounts and reductions
Check Single Person Discount, students, disabled discounts, Council Tax Reduction and discretionary help if your bill is difficult to pay.
Brighton Council Tax Bills, 10-Digit Account Number, Balance and Bill Changes
Your Brighton & Hove Council Tax bill shows your property address, account number, band, yearly charge, instalments, payment method, discounts, reductions and any previous balance or credit.
1
Find your 10-digit Council Tax account number
You need this for payments and enquiries.
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Brighton & Hove says to use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as your payment reference. This helps the council match the payment to your correct account.
If you cannot find your account number, check the top of your latest bill or contact Council Tax for help.
2
Check why your bill changed
Do not compare only the yearly band amount.
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Your bill can change because of a revised discount, Council Tax Reduction, a new adult in the household, a move date, arrears, a refund credit, a student status change or a special local charge.
3
Use online services where possible
This can avoid phone waiting time.
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Brighton & Hove encourages residents to use online Council Tax services where they can. If your issue is urgent or you have a reminder notice, use the relevant phone route.
Brighton Council Tax Pay Online, Phone Payment, Mobile Banking and Payment Reference
Brighton & Hove lets residents pay Council Tax by card online or over the phone, use mobile banking and other official payment methods. You should use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as the payment reference.
1
Open Brighton & Hove’s official payment page
Start from brighton-hove.gov.uk before entering payment details.
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Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page. It links to online card payment, phone payment and other official payment methods.
Official payment page: Paying your Council Tax
2
Use your 10-digit account number as reference
This is especially important for banking payments.
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Brighton & Hove says to use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as your payment reference. If the reference is wrong, the payment may not match quickly.
3
Pay by phone if needed
Use option 2 for card payment.
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Brighton & Hove says you can call 01273 291 908 and choose option 2 to make a card payment over the phone.
4
Save confirmation after payment
Useful if your payment is not showing yet.
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Keep your online receipt, phone payment confirmation, bank reference or payment screenshot until the payment is visible on your account or reflected in your next bill.
| Payment Route | Official Detail | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online card payment | Use Brighton & Hove’s official online payment service. | Keep your 10-digit account number ready. |
| Phone payment | 01273 291 908, option 2. | Write down confirmation details. |
| Mobile banking | Use official instructions from the payment page. | Use the 10-digit Council Tax account number as reference. |
| Reminder help | 01273 291 900 if struggling after a reminder notice. | Call immediately if you cannot pay. |
Brighton Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and 2026/27 Rates
Brighton & Hove Council Tax bands run from A to H. Your band is based on the property’s valuation band, and your bill can also be affected by discounts, reductions, special area charges or previous account balances.
Find your band
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker with your postcode or address.
Compare the charge
Use Brighton & Hove’s official 2026/27 Council Tax rates page for the current year.
Special area note
Some places such as Rottingdean or enclosure areas may have special charges, so check your actual bill if your amount differs.
Official GOV.UK band checker: Check your Council Tax band
Brighton & Hove 2026/27 charges: How much Council Tax is 2026 to 2027
Brighton Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Band, Standard Band D and Special Charge Note
The figures below show standard Brighton & Hove 2026/27 Council Tax totals before personal discounts, reductions, arrears, credits or special local charge differences.
| Band | Brighton & Hove 2026/27 Standard Charge | Property Value Range | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band A | £1,719.63 | Up to £40,000 | Check reductions before paying full amount. |
| Band B | £2,006.23 | £40,001 to £52,000 | Compare with latest bill instalments. |
| Band C | £2,292.84 | £52,001 to £68,000 | Use GOV.UK if band seems wrong. |
| Band D | £2,579.44 | £68,001 to £88,000 | Standard comparison band. |
| Band E | £3,152.65 | £88,001 to £120,000 | Check discounts and account changes. |
| Band F | £3,725.86 | £120,001 to £160,000 | Review if instalments seem high. |
| Band G | £4,299.07 | £160,001 to £320,000 | Check arrears, credit and discounts. |
| Band H | £5,158.88 | Over £320,000 | Review full bill carefully. |
Why your Brighton bill may be different
Your bill can include Council Tax Reduction, Single Person Discount, student discount, arrears, a credit, a special local charge or a revised liability date.
Best way to check
Compare your latest bill with Brighton & Hove’s official 2026/27 rates page and your GOV.UK band result.
Brighton Council Tax Discounts, Single Person Discount, Student Discount and Disabled Discounts
Brighton & Hove has official Council Tax discount routes for single residents, students, people living with students, disabled people and other circumstances. Always apply through the official Brighton & Hove page.
Single Person Discount
Brighton & Hove says a single person’s Council Tax discount is a 25% reduction on your Council Tax bill.
Students
If everyone in a property is a full-time student, Brighton & Hove says none of them have to pay Council Tax during course dates.
Disregarded adults
Some people are not counted for Council Tax. This can reduce the bill depending on who lives in the property.
1
Open the official discounts hub
Choose the correct discount before applying.
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Use Brighton & Hove’s official Council Tax discounts page. It links to Single Person Discount, student discounts, disabled discounts and other discount categories.
Official discounts page: Council Tax discounts
2
Apply for Single Person Discount only if it fits
Only one adult should be counted at the property.
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Brighton & Hove says Single Person Discount is a 25% reduction. If another adult moves in or your situation changes, you must stop or update the discount.
Official Single Person Discount page: Single person Council Tax discount
3
Check student discount if anyone studies full time
Course dates matter.
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Brighton & Hove says all-student households do not have to pay Council Tax during course dates. If one person is not a full-time student, they may still get a 25% student disregard discount if everyone else is a full-time student.
Official student discount page: Council Tax discounts for students
Brighton Council Tax Reduction, Low Income Help, Universal Credit and Discretionary Support
Brighton & Hove says if you are in a low-income household and need help paying Council Tax, you could get Council Tax Reduction. The rules are different for working-age residents, Universal Credit claimants and pension-age residents.
Who should check CTR
Check if your income is low, you receive Universal Credit, you are pension age, you have limited savings or your household income has dropped.
Maximum reduction
Brighton & Hove says pension-age residents may get up to 100%, while working-age maximum help is 82% of Band D Council Tax.
1
Open the official Council Tax Reduction page
Check eligibility before arrears grow.
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Brighton & Hove’s Council Tax Reduction page explains who can apply, savings limits, Universal Credit calculation rules and how to apply online.
Official CTR page: Apply for a Council Tax Reduction
2
Check savings limits before applying
Capital rules can affect eligibility.
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Brighton & Hove says you can reduce your bill if your savings are less than £6,000 if you are working age, or £16,000 if you are of state pensionable age.
3
Tell both Universal Credit and the council about changes
Changes can recalculate CTR.
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Brighton & Hove says it is your responsibility to ensure Universal Credit and the council are kept up to date with household circumstances, including changes of address or household.
Brighton Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed discounts, delayed reductions, duplicate payments and stressful arrears.
Use the 10-digit account number
Brighton & Hove says to use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as the payment reference. This is the most important payment detail.
Phone the right number
Use 01273 291 908 option 2 for payment, 01273 291 291 for Council Tax contact, and 01273 291 900 if you get a reminder notice and cannot pay.
Stop Single Person Discount quickly
If another adult moves in, Brighton & Hove says you must stop the discount within 21 days to avoid extra charges.
CTR and Universal Credit must match
If you receive Universal Credit, Brighton & Hove uses figures from your UC notification for Council Tax Reduction calculations.
Check course dates for student discount
Student households do not pay Council Tax only during eligible course dates. Outside those dates, Council Tax may still apply.
Check special charge areas
If your bill does not match the standard table, check whether your property is in Rottingdean or an enclosure area with a special charge.
Brighton Council Tax Moving Home, Change of Address, New Bill and Household Changes
If you move into Brighton & Hove, move out, or move within the city, tell the council so your Council Tax liability starts and ends on the right dates. Household changes can also affect discounts and Council Tax Reduction.
| Situation | What to Prepare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Brighton & Hove | New address, moving date, adults in property, tenancy or ownership details. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out | Leaving date, forwarding address, new occupier or owner details if known. | Helps stop liability after you leave. |
| Moving within the city | Old and new addresses, exact move dates and who is moving. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Someone moved in or out | Adult names, dates and discount impact. | Can affect Single Person Discount and Council Tax Reduction. |
| Student status changed | Course dates, student details and household makeup. | Can affect exemption or disregard discount. |
Official Council Tax hub: Brighton & Hove Council Tax
Brighton Council Tax Arrears, Reminder Notice, Difficulty Paying and Payment Help
Council Tax arrears should be handled quickly. Brighton & Hove says if you get a reminder notice and are struggling to pay, phone them immediately so they can help manage your payments.
1
Check your latest bill and payments
Know what is overdue before asking for help.
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Check your bill, bank statement and payment confirmations. Make sure the 10-digit Council Tax account number was used correctly as the reference.
2
Check Council Tax Reduction
Support may reduce pressure.
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If your income has dropped, apply for Council Tax Reduction and check discretionary help. Do this before several instalments become overdue.
3
Contact Council Tax with full details
Have account number and bill ready.
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Use the official Council Tax contact page or phone the relevant number. Explain what you can pay, when you can pay, and whether you have applied for reduction or discount.
Official reminder notice guidance: Council Tax reminder notice
Brighton Council Tax Refunds, Overpayments, Credit Balance and Bill Corrections
You may have a Council Tax credit if you moved out, overpaid, paid after a discount was applied, received backdated Council Tax Reduction or kept paying after your liability ended.
Common refund reasons
Moving home, duplicate payment, revised Single Person Discount, Council Tax Reduction, student exemption, account correction or payment made after a final bill.
What to prepare
10-digit Council Tax account number, old address, forwarding address, move date, payment proof and secure bank details only through an official route.
Official contact/refund page: Contact Council Tax for help with your bill
Brighton Council Tax Phone Number, Payment Line, Reminder Help, Email and Switchboard
Use the right Brighton & Hove phone number depending on your issue. Keep your 10-digit Council Tax account number, full property address, payment date and bill details ready before contacting the council.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax contact | Council Tax bill, discount, account and general help. | 01273 291 291 Email: council.tax@brighton-hove.gov.uk |
| Payment phone line | Council Tax card payment by phone. | 01273 291 908 Choose option 2 for Council Tax card payment. |
| Reminder notice help | If you received a notice and are struggling to pay. | 01273 291 900 Call immediately if you cannot pay. |
| Council switchboard | General council contact route. | 01273 29 00 00 Switchboard open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. |
| Online help | Refunds, requested evidence and bill support. | Contact Council Tax for help with your bill |
Brighton Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Brighton Council Tax bills, bands, pay online, phone number, discounts, Council Tax Reduction, reminder notices and contact details.
How do I pay Brighton Council Tax online?▾
Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page. Keep your 10-digit Council Tax account number ready as your payment reference.
What is the Brighton Council Tax payment phone number?▾
Brighton & Hove lists 01273 291 908 for phone payments. Choose option 2 to make a Council Tax card payment by phone.
What is the Brighton Council Tax contact number?▾
Brighton & Hove lists 01273 291 291 as the Council Tax contact number. The email listed is council.tax@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
What are Brighton Council Tax bands for 2026/27?▾
Standard Brighton & Hove 2026/27 charges are Band A £1,719.63, Band B £2,006.23, Band C £2,292.84, Band D £2,579.44, Band E £3,152.65, Band F £3,725.86, Band G £4,299.07 and Band H £5,158.88.
How do I find my Brighton Council Tax account number?▾
Your 10-digit Council Tax account number is shown on your bill. Brighton & Hove says to use this as your payment reference.
Can I get Brighton Council Tax Single Person Discount?▾
Yes. Brighton & Hove says a single person’s Council Tax discount is a 25% reduction on your Council Tax bill.
Can students get Brighton Council Tax discount?▾
Yes. If everyone living in the property is a full-time student, Brighton & Hove says none of them have to pay Council Tax during course dates. If one person is not a full-time student, a 25% student disregard may apply if everyone else is a full-time student.
Can I apply for Brighton Council Tax Reduction?▾
Yes. Brighton & Hove says if you are in a low-income household and need help paying Council Tax, you could get Council Tax Reduction.
What is the maximum Brighton Council Tax Reduction?▾
Brighton & Hove says working-age residents can receive up to 82% of the Council Tax for a Band D property, while pension-age residents may receive up to 100% depending on circumstances.
What should I do if I get a Brighton Council Tax reminder notice?▾
If you receive a notice and are struggling to pay, Brighton & Hove says to phone 01273 291 900 immediately so they can help you manage your payments.
How do I check my Brighton Council Tax band?▾
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker, then compare your band with Brighton & Hove’s official 2026/27 charge table.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Brighton & Hove City Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Brighton & Hove City Council and GOV.UK pages for payments, applications, account updates and legal decisions.