Portsmouth Council Tax Bands, 2026/27 Charges, Pay Online, Discounts & Help
A practical Portsmouth Council Tax guide for residents who need to check 2026/27 bands and charges, pay online, set up Direct Debit, choose 12-month payments, apply for discounts, claim Council Tax Support, report changes or contact the right team for help.
🔒 Official Portsmouth Council Tax Resources
Portsmouth Council Tax Guide for Bands, Charges, Pay Online and Help
Portsmouth Council Tax is the local charge used to help fund Portsmouth City Council services, Hampshire Police and the Combined Fire Authority. Your bill depends on your property band, official yearly charge, discounts, exemptions, Council Tax Support, arrears, credits and household changes.
Most Portsmouth residents search for Council Tax help because they need to pay a bill, check the Band A to H charge, apply for Single Person Discount, set up Direct Debit, pay over 12 months, claim Council Tax Support or contact the correct billing or recovery team.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not Portsmouth City Council and cannot access your private account. For payments, legal notices, discounts, support claims and account changes, always use Portsmouth City Council or GOV.UK.
Pay or manage your bill
Use Portsmouth’s official payment page to pay, apply for Direct Debit, query a bill or get help if you cannot pay.
Check bands and charges
Portsmouth publishes the city council, police, fire and total charge for each band from A to H.
Reduce bill if eligible
Check Single Person Discount, student rules, exemptions, disregards, disabled band reduction and Council Tax Support.
Portsmouth Council Tax Pay Online, Direct Debit, 12-Month Payments and Bill Queries
Portsmouth City Council’s official payment section helps residents pay online, apply for Direct Debit, query a Council Tax bill and find help if they are struggling to pay.
1
Open the official Portsmouth payment page
Start from portsmouth.gov.uk before entering payment details.
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Use Portsmouth City Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page. It links to Pay Council Tax online, Direct Debit, bill queries, help if you cannot pay and reminder or summons information.
Official payment page: Paying your Council Tax
2
Use your Council Tax account reference
This helps match payment to your Portsmouth account.
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Use the Council Tax account number or reference shown on your Portsmouth bill. Enter it exactly when paying or contacting the council.
If your reference is wrong, your payment may not match quickly. Keep proof until the payment appears on your account.
3
Set up Direct Debit where possible
Direct Debit is usually the safest regular payment method.
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Portsmouth’s payment section includes a Direct Debit route. Direct Debit helps avoid missed instalments because the correct amount is collected automatically.
4
Use 12-month payments if cash flow is tight
Spread April to March instead of April to January.
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Portsmouth says Council Tax is normally paid in ten monthly instalments from April to January, but you can opt to pay over 12 months from April to March. You can do this by registering for or signing into your Council Tax account online and setting up a Direct Debit.
Official 12-month page: Pay Council Tax over 12 months
| Payment / Account Task | Official Route | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pay online | Use Portsmouth’s official Council Tax payment section. | Keep your account reference and card/bank details ready. |
| Direct Debit | Apply from Portsmouth’s payment page. | Good for avoiding missed instalments. |
| 12-month payments | Register/sign in and set up Direct Debit. | Useful if ten instalments feel too high. |
| Bill query | Use official bill query/contact route. | Check band, discounts and payments first. |
| Cannot pay | Use Portsmouth’s struggling-to-pay guidance. | Ask for help before reminder or summons stage. |
Portsmouth Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and 2026/27 Charges
Council Tax bands in Portsmouth run from A to H. Your band is based on the official property valuation band, and the annual bill includes Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Police Authority and Combined Fire Authority charges.
Find your band
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker with your postcode or address.
Compare the yearly charge
Use Portsmouth’s official bands page for the city council, police, fire and total amount.
Check actual bill
Your final bill can change due to discounts, support, arrears, credits or a mid-year move.
Official GOV.UK band checker: Check your Council Tax band
Official Portsmouth bands page: Portsmouth Council Tax bands
Portsmouth Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Band, Council Share, Police and Fire
The table below uses Portsmouth City Council’s official 2026/27 figures. These are annual totals before any personal discount, exemption, Council Tax Support, arrears, credit or mid-year account change.
| Band | Portsmouth City Council | Hampshire Police | Fire Authority | Total 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band A | £1,272.27 | £193.64 | £61.89 | £1,527.80 |
| Band B | £1,484.32 | £225.91 | £72.21 | £1,782.44 |
| Band C | £1,696.36 | £258.19 | £82.52 | £2,037.07 |
| Band D | £1,908.41 | £290.46 | £92.84 | £2,291.71 |
| Band E | £2,332.50 | £355.01 | £113.47 | £2,800.98 |
| Band F | £2,756.59 | £419.55 | £134.10 | £3,310.24 |
| Band G | £3,180.68 | £484.10 | £154.73 | £3,819.51 |
| Band H | £3,816.82 | £580.92 | £185.68 | £4,583.42 |
Why your Portsmouth bill may be different
Your actual amount may include Single Person Discount, Council Tax Support, a student exemption, disabled band reduction, arrears, a previous credit, a refund or a mid-year move.
Best way to check
Compare your latest bill with the official band table and check whether any discount, exemption or support has been applied correctly.
Portsmouth Council Tax Discounts, Single Person Discount, Students, Exemptions and Disabled Band Reduction
Portsmouth City Council has official routes for discounts and exemptions, including single residents, full-time students, disabled band reduction, disregarded people, care leavers, empty properties and annexes.
Single Person Discount
Where only one person over 18 is resident, Portsmouth says a 25% Single Person Discount can be applied.
Students
Most full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax, and student-only homes are usually exempt.
Other reductions
Check disabled band reduction, severe mental impairment, disregards, care leaver discounts and property exemptions.
1
Open Portsmouth’s discounts and exemptions hub
Choose the correct route before applying.
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Use Portsmouth’s official “Money off your bill: Discounts and exemptions” page. It links to Single Person Discount, students, severe mental impairment, exemptions, disregards, disabled band reduction, care leavers and more.
Official discounts page: Money off your bill: Discounts and exemptions
2
Apply for Single Person Discount only if it fits
Only one adult should live at the property.
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Portsmouth says the Council Tax bill assumes at least two adults live in the property. Where only one person over 18 is resident, a 25% discount can be applied to the main home.
If another adult moves into the household, Portsmouth says you must notify the council within 21 days and failure to do so may result in a £70 penalty.
Official Single Person Discount page: Single person discount
3
Check student and disregard rules carefully
Household makeup matters.
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Portsmouth explains that most full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax, student-only homes are usually exempt, and halls of residence are automatically exempt.
Portsmouth Council Tax Support, Low Income Help, Income Bands and Hardship Fund
Portsmouth Council Tax Support can reduce your Council Tax bill if your income and circumstances qualify. The working-age scheme uses income bands, while pensioner rules are set by central government.
Working-age support
Portsmouth works out working-age Council Tax Support by comparing weekly income to income bands. The reduction can be 90%, 65%, 40% or 15% depending on household type and income.
Pensioner support
For pension-age residents, Portsmouth says the rules are set by central government, and savings over £16,000 can stop help unless Guarantee Pension Credit applies.
1
Open the official Council Tax Support Scheme page
Check help before arrears grow.
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Use Portsmouth’s official Council Tax Support Scheme page. It links to online application, evidence upload, change reporting, working-age rules, pensioner rules and hardship fund information.
Official support page: Council Tax Support Scheme
2
Apply as soon as possible
Delay can reduce support.
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Portsmouth says the sooner you tell them you intend to apply for Council Tax Support, the faster they can start your claim. Delays in making a claim can result in a loss of Council Tax Support.
If you cannot claim online, Portsmouth lists hbsupportteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk and 023 9283 4556.
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Report changes immediately
Wrong support can become a debt.
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If your income changes, someone moves in or out, you move address, savings change or benefits change, report it. Portsmouth says excess Council Tax Support will be debited from your Council Tax account.
Portsmouth Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed discounts, delayed support, duplicate payments and stressful arrears.
Check the total band amount
Portsmouth’s table includes city council, police and fire charges. The total column is the most useful figure before personal discounts or support.
Use 12 months if instalments are too high
Portsmouth allows 12-month payments from April to March instead of the standard ten-month plan from April to January.
Report discount changes within 21 days
If another adult moves in and you receive Single Person Discount, Portsmouth says you must notify them within 21 days.
Call the right team
Billing, support and recovery have different phone numbers. Recovery is for accounts that have had court action.
Apply for support quickly
Portsmouth warns delays in applying can result in a loss of Council Tax Support.
Keep evidence ready
Income, savings, benefit letters, student evidence, moving dates and household details can all affect your Council Tax bill.
Portsmouth Council Tax Change of Details, Moving Home, Address Changes and Household Updates
If you move into Portsmouth, move out of Portsmouth, move within the city or your household changes, tell Portsmouth City Council. Council Tax liability depends on exact dates, occupancy, tenancy, ownership and who is responsible for the property.
| Situation | What to Prepare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Portsmouth | New address, move-in date, adults living there, 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 Portsmouth | Old and new addresses, exact move dates and household members. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Someone moved in or out | Adult names, move dates and discount impact. | Can affect Single Person Discount and support. |
| Income or benefit changed | Income proof, benefit letters and household details. | Can affect Council Tax Support. |
Official Council Tax hub: Portsmouth Council Tax
Portsmouth Council Tax Arrears, Reminder, Summons, Court Proceedings and Recovery Help
Council Tax arrears should be handled early. Portsmouth has official guidance for what to do if you cannot pay your Council Tax bill and separate contact details for recovery enquiries after court action.
1
Check your bill and payment history
Know what is overdue before asking for help.
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Check your latest bill, payment records, bank statement and Council Tax account information. Confirm whether your payment reference was correct.
2
Check support and discounts
Support may reduce pressure.
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If your income has dropped, check Council Tax Support and hardship routes. Also check Single Person Discount or other exemptions if your household has changed.
Official struggling-to-pay page: If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax bill
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Use the correct recovery contact after court action
Recovery has a separate number.
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Portsmouth lists 023 9284 1447 for Council Tax recovery enquiries if you have had court action on your account.
Official reminder/summons section: Council Tax reminder, summons and court proceedings
Portsmouth Council Tax Refunds, Credit Balance, Overpayments and Final Bills
You may have a Council Tax credit if you moved out, overpaid, paid after a discount was applied, had Council Tax Support backdated, or kept paying after your liability ended.
Common refund reasons
Moving home, duplicate payment, revised Single Person Discount, Council Tax Support, exemption, account correction or payment after a final bill.
What to prepare
Council Tax account number, old address, forwarding address, move date, payment proof and secure bank details only through an official route.
Official Council Tax hub: Request a refund if you’re in credit
Portsmouth Council Tax Contact Number, Support Number, Recovery Number and Email
Use the correct Portsmouth Council Tax contact route depending on your issue. Keep your Council Tax account number, full property address, payment date and bill details ready before contacting the council.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Billing enquiries | Bills, account balance, payments, discounts and general Council Tax billing. | 023 9268 8588 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. |
| Council Tax Support enquiries | Council Tax Support claims, evidence and support questions. | 023 9283 4556 Email for support claim help: hbsupportteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk |
| Recovery enquiries | If you have had court action on your account. | 023 9284 1447 |
| Council Tax email | Written Council Tax contact. | localtaxation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk |
| Online contact form | 24-hour Council Tax contact route. | Contact the Council Tax team |
Portsmouth Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Portsmouth Council Tax bands, charges, pay online, Direct Debit, 12-month payments, discounts, support, arrears and contact numbers.
How do I pay Portsmouth Council Tax online?▾
Use Portsmouth City Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page. It links to Pay Council Tax online, Direct Debit, bill queries and help if you cannot pay.
What are Portsmouth Council Tax charges for 2026/27?▾
Portsmouth’s 2026/27 total charges are Band A £1,527.80, Band B £1,782.44, Band C £2,037.07, Band D £2,291.71, Band E £2,800.98, Band F £3,310.24, Band G £3,819.51 and Band H £4,583.42.
What is the Portsmouth Council Tax billing phone number?▾
Portsmouth City Council lists 023 9268 8588 for Council Tax billing enquiries. Lines are listed as open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
What is the Portsmouth Council Tax Support phone number?▾
Portsmouth City Council lists 023 9283 4556 for Council Tax Support enquiries. The support email listed is hbsupportteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
What is the Portsmouth Council Tax recovery phone number?▾
Portsmouth lists 023 9284 1447 for Council Tax recovery enquiries if you have had court action on your account.
Can I pay Portsmouth Council Tax over 12 months?▾
Yes. Portsmouth says Council Tax is normally paid in ten monthly instalments from April to January, but you can opt to pay over 12 months from April to March.
Can I get Portsmouth Council Tax Single Person Discount?▾
Yes. Portsmouth says where only one person over 18 is resident, a 25% single person discount can be applied. It applies only to your main home.
What if another adult moves in while I get Single Person Discount?▾
Portsmouth says you must notify them within 21 days if another adult moves into the household. Failure to do so may result in a Council Tax penalty.
Can I apply for Portsmouth Council Tax Support?▾
Yes. Portsmouth has a Council Tax Support Scheme. Working-age support is based on household type and weekly income bands, while pensioner rules are set by central government.
How do I check my Portsmouth Council Tax band?▾
Use GOV.UK’s official Council Tax band checker, then compare your result with Portsmouth City Council’s official Council Tax bands page.
Who do I contact if I cannot pay Portsmouth Council Tax?▾
Use Portsmouth’s official struggling-to-pay guidance and contact the relevant team. If court action has already happened, use the recovery enquiries number 023 9284 1447.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Portsmouth City Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Portsmouth City Council and GOV.UK pages for payments, applications, account updates and legal decisions.