Brighton and Hove Council Tax Bands, Pay Online, Reductions, MyAccount & Contact Help
A practical Brighton & Hove Council Tax guide for residents who need to pay a bill, check 2026/27 bands and charges, view bills in MyAccount, set up Direct Debit, apply for Council Tax Reduction, claim discounts, report a move, ask for a refund or contact the council about arrears.
🔒 Official Brighton & Hove Council Tax Resources
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Guide for Bands, Pay Online, Reductions and Contact
Brighton & Hove Council Tax is the local charge used to fund council services, adult social care, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire Authority and other local responsibilities. Your bill depends on your property band, yearly charge, discounts, exemptions, Council Tax Reduction, credits, arrears and any change in circumstances.
Most Brighton & Hove residents search for Council Tax help because they need to pay online, use the phone payment line, check Band A to H charges, register for MyAccount, apply for Single Person Discount, claim Council Tax Reduction, report moving home or get help if they cannot pay.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not Brighton & Hove City Council and cannot access your account. For payments, personal bill changes, applications, refunds and legal decisions, always use Brighton & Hove City Council or GOV.UK.
Pay or manage your account
Use Brighton & Hove’s official Pay Online page, Direct Debit service and MyAccount bill access.
Check your band and charge
Use GOV.UK for band lookup and Brighton & Hove’s official 2026/27 table for the current yearly amount.
Reduce your bill if eligible
Check Single Person Discount, student discounts, disabled reductions, severe mental impairment rules and Council Tax Reduction.
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Pay Online, Direct Debit, Phone Payment, Bank Transfer, Post Office and PayPoint
Brighton & Hove City Council provides official routes to pay Council Tax by Direct Debit, online payment, phone payment, online or mobile banking, Post Office and PayPoint. Direct Debit is usually the easiest method if you want regular monthly instalments.
1
Open Brighton & Hove’s official payment page
Start from brighton-hove.gov.uk before entering card or bank details.
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Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s official Pay Online page or Council Tax payment section. This is the safest starting point before entering card, account or bank details.
Official Pay Online page: Pay online
Official payment hub: Paying your Council Tax
2
Use your 10-digit Council Tax account number
This links your payment to the correct Brighton & Hove account.
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Brighton & Hove says you should use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as your payment reference. You can find this number in the top right corner of your Council Tax bill.
Do not guess the reference number. If the number is wrong, your payment may not match your Council Tax account quickly.
3
Use the 24-hour phone payment line if needed
Useful when you have your bill and card ready.
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Brighton & Hove lists 01273 291 908 for automated payments by phone. For Council Tax, choose option 2 and use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as your payment reference.
Official other ways to pay page: Other ways to pay your Council Tax
4
Set up Direct Debit if you want automatic payments
This helps avoid missed monthly instalments.
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Use Brighton & Hove’s official Direct Debit page to set up monthly Council Tax payments or change existing Direct Debit details.
Official Direct Debit page: Pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit
| Payment Method | Official Route | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Brighton & Hove Pay Online page. | Use your 10-digit account number from the bill. |
| Direct Debit | Direct Debit setup/change page. | Best for regular monthly instalments and avoiding missed due dates. |
| Phone payment | 01273 291 908, option 2. | Have your card and 10-digit Council Tax account number ready. |
| Online/mobile banking | Use the bank details shown on the official other-ways-to-pay page. | Put the 10-digit Council Tax account number as payment reference. |
| Post Office / PayPoint | Use council-approved barcode/payment instructions. | Keep the receipt until the payment shows on your account. |
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Login, MyAccount, Online Bills, Paperless Billing and Account Help
Brighton & Hove lets residents view Council Tax account information and bills online through MyAccount. This is useful if you want to go paperless, check your bill, review account details or keep track of changes.
What you can do online
Sign in or register for MyAccount, view your Council Tax account and bills, go paperless and check bill information online.
What you need before registering
Keep your Council Tax account number, property address and personal details ready so the council can match your account.
1
Open the official account and bills page
Use Brighton & Hove’s MyAccount route.
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Open the official “View your Council Tax account and bills” page. From there, sign in or register for MyAccount and follow the council’s instructions.
Official page: View your Council Tax account and bills
2
Check your bill before asking for support
Your latest bill may already show a revised amount.
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If you recently moved, applied for a discount, requested Council Tax Reduction or changed Direct Debit, check the latest bill first. It can show whether your instalments have already changed.
Bill guide: Your Council Tax bill explained
3
Use the mistake route if your bill looks wrong
Do not ignore a bill that looks incorrect.
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If your name, address, discount, move date or amount looks wrong, use the official “tell us there is a mistake on your bill” route instead of waiting until the next instalment is due.
Official bill section: Your Council Tax bill
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and Property Value Ranges
Brighton & Hove Council Tax bands run from A to H. The band is based on historic property value ranges for Council Tax purposes, not simply today’s market price.
Find your band
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker with your address or postcode.
Check the Brighton & Hove charge
After you know the band, use Brighton & Hove’s official charges table for the yearly amount.
Special area warning
Some areas, such as Rottingdean Parish and certain squares/crescents, have different totals because of extra local amounts.
1
Open the GOV.UK band checker
This is the official route for England and Wales.
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Enter your postcode or address on the GOV.UK Council Tax band checker and note the band shown for your property.
Official band checker: Check your Council Tax band
2
Compare with Brighton & Hove’s charges page
Band and final bill amount are separate checks.
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Open Brighton & Hove’s official “How much Council Tax is 2026 to 2027” page and compare your band with the correct area. Your personal bill can still change because of reductions, exemptions, credits or arrears.
Official Brighton & Hove page: How much Council Tax is 2026 to 2027
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Band, Band D Total and Special Area Checks
Brighton & Hove publishes standard Council Tax rates from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The standard Band D total is £2,579.44. However, some areas have different totals, including Rottingdean Parish, Hanover Crescent, Marine Square and Royal Crescent.
| Band | Standard 2026/27 Total | 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 | Over £40,000 and up to £52,000 | Compare with your latest bill instalments. |
| Band C | £2,292.84 | Over £52,000 and up to £68,000 | Use GOV.UK if the band seems wrong. |
| Band D | £2,579.44 | Over £68,000 and up to £88,000 | Standard comparison band. |
| Band E | £3,152.65 | Over £88,000 and up to £120,000 | Check account changes and discounts. |
| Band F | £3,725.86 | Over £120,000 and up to £160,000 | Review bill if instalments look high. |
| Band G | £4,299.07 | Over £160,000 and up to £320,000 | Check special area charges if relevant. |
| Band H | £5,158.88 | Over £320,000 | Review your full bill carefully. |
Why your bill may be different
Your final bill can include a credit, arrears, a reduction, an exemption, a mid-year move, a special local charge or a revised instalment plan.
Special area warning
Do not compare only with the standard table if your bill says Rottingdean Parish, Hanover Crescent, Marine Square or Royal Crescent. These areas have their own totals.
Official charges page: How much Council Tax is 2026 to 2027
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Reductions, Single Person Discount, Student Exemption, Disabled Discount and Council Tax Reduction
Brighton & Hove has official routes for Council Tax discounts and reductions. These include Single Person Discount, student discounts, disabled people discounts, severe mental impairment discounts, live-in carer exemptions and Council Tax Reduction.
Single Person Discount
If you are the only adult living in your property, you may be able to apply for Single Person Discount.
Council Tax Reduction
If your income is low, you may be able to apply for Council Tax Reduction using the official Brighton & Hove form.
Students and other exemptions
Full-time students, disabled residents, carers and people with severe mental impairments may have separate discount rules.
1
Open Brighton & Hove’s discounts hub
Choose the correct reduction before applying.
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Start with Brighton & Hove’s official Council Tax discounts section. It links to Single Person Discount, disabled people discounts, severe mental impairment discounts, carer exemptions, student discounts and Council Tax Reduction.
Official discounts page: Council Tax discounts
2
Apply for Single Person Discount only if it fits
Stop it within 21 days if your situation changes.
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If you are no longer the only adult living in the property, Brighton & Hove says you must stop your Single Person Discount within 21 days of the change to avoid extra charges.
Official Single Person Discount page: Single person Council Tax discount
Stop discount page: Stop your single person Council Tax Discount
3
Use the student route if your household includes students
Student course dates and registration details matter.
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Brighton & Hove explains that if everyone living in the property is a full-time student, none of you have to pay Council Tax during course dates. If one non-student lives with full-time students, a 25% student disregard discount may apply.
Official student page: Council Tax discounts for students and people living with students
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Reduction, Low Income Help, Evidence and Online Application
Brighton & Hove has an official Council Tax Reduction form. The form asks for evidence, such as photos or scanned images, depending on your circumstances.
Who should check support
Check if you are on a low income, unemployed, receiving benefits, retired, disabled, caring for someone, or your household income has recently changed.
What to prepare
Keep your Council Tax account number, National Insurance number, income proof, benefit details, household information and clear evidence photos or scans ready.
1
Open the Council Tax Reduction form
Do this early if your income has dropped.
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Use the official Brighton & Hove Council Tax Reduction form to apply for help. Read the evidence requirements before starting so you do not have to stop halfway.
Official form: Council Tax Reduction form
2
Upload clear evidence
Blurry documents can delay decisions.
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Use clear photos or scans. Make sure names, dates, amounts and page numbers are readable. Keep copies of everything you submit.
3
Update the council if circumstances change
Reduction can change when income or household details change.
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If your income, benefits, household, student status or address changes, update Brighton & Hove quickly. This helps avoid overpayment, underpayment or a surprise revised bill.
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed discounts, delayed refunds, MyAccount problems and extra arrears stress.
Save your 10-digit Council Tax account number
You need it for payment references, phone payments, online banking, MyAccount, discounts, moving-home forms and many account queries.
Check the correct area charge
If your bill mentions Rottingdean Parish, Hanover Crescent, Marine Square or Royal Crescent, compare it with the special area table, not only the standard table.
Use 01273 291 908 for automated payment
For Council Tax phone payment, choose option 2 and keep your 10-digit account number ready.
Stop Single Person Discount quickly if needed
Brighton & Hove says you must stop it within 21 days when you are no longer the only adult in the property.
Students should check course dates
Council Tax student discounts usually depend on course dates, full-time status and student registration details.
Act before arrears get serious
Use the council’s “what to do if you cannot pay” page and check Council Tax Reduction before reminders become harder to manage.
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Change of Address, Moving Home, Tenancy Change and Student Move
If you move into Brighton & Hove, move out of the city, move within the area or change tenants, tell the council quickly. Council Tax liability depends on dates, occupation, tenancy, ownership and who is responsible for the property.
| Situation | What to Tell Brighton & Hove | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Brighton & Hove | New address, move-in date, occupiers and tenancy or ownership details. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out of Brighton & Hove | Leaving date, forwarding address and final bill details. | Helps stop bills after you have left. |
| Moving within Brighton & Hove | Old and new addresses with exact dates. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Landlord or tenant change | Tenant change, tenancy dates and property details. | Helps assign liability correctly. |
| Student moving into the area | Student registration details, course dates and property details. | Helps apply student discount rules correctly. |
Official moving hub: Tell us about a change of address or tenancy
Resident moving page: Tell us you are moving if you are a resident
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Arrears, Problems Paying, Missed Instalments and Support Options
Council Tax arrears can become stressful if ignored. If you cannot pay Brighton & Hove Council Tax, check your account, use the official help page, apply for Council Tax Reduction if eligible and contact the council before the problem grows.
1
Check your account and latest bill first
Know the exact issue before asking for help.
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Sign in to MyAccount and check your bill, payments, instalments and any recent changes. This helps you explain whether the issue is missed payment, missing discount, reduction delay or wrong move date.
2
Use the official cannot-pay page
Do this before costs or recovery action increase.
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Brighton & Hove has an official page for residents who cannot pay Council Tax. Use it to check support routes and next steps.
Official page: What to do if you cannot pay your Council Tax
3
Check Council Tax Reduction before agreeing unaffordable payments
A reduction may lower the bill if you qualify.
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If your income has dropped or your household changed, check the official Council Tax Reduction form and upload clear evidence. Do not agree to payments you already know you cannot maintain.
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Refunds, Overpayment, Credit Balance and Final Bill Checks
You may have a Council Tax credit if you moved, overpaid, paid after a reduction was applied, had a discount backdated, or kept paying after your liability ended.
Common refund reasons
Moving out, duplicate payment, Direct Debit continuing too long, revised Single Person Discount, Council Tax Reduction, exemption or account correction.
What to prepare
10-digit Council Tax account number, old address, forwarding address, move date, payment proof and bank details only through the official refund route.
Official refund page: Ask us for a Council Tax refund
Brighton and Hove Council Tax Contact Number, Payment Line, MyAccount Help, Contact Form and Switchboard
Use the right Brighton & Hove Council Tax route depending on what you need. Keep your 10-digit Council Tax account number, full name, property address, payment date and bill details ready before using a form or calling.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automated payment line | Council Tax card payment by phone. | 01273 291 908 Choose option 2 for Council Tax |
| Cannot use online services | Council Tax phone help where online services cannot be used. | 01273 291 291 Monday-Friday, 9:30am-1:30pm |
| Council switchboard | General council contact. | 01273 29 00 00 Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm |
| Council Tax help form | Bill questions, discount issues, complaints, documents and account help. | Contact Council Tax for help with your bill |
| Account and bills online | View your bill, go paperless and manage account online. | View your Council Tax account and bills |
Brighton and Hove Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Brighton and Hove Council Tax bands, pay online, phone number, MyAccount login, reductions, Single Person Discount, Council Tax Reduction, moving home, refunds and arrears help.
How do I pay Brighton and Hove Council Tax online?▾
Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s official Pay Online page or Council Tax payment section. Use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as the payment reference.
What is the Brighton and Hove Council Tax payment phone number?▾
Brighton & Hove lists 01273 291 908 for automated phone payments. Choose option 2 for Council Tax and keep your 10-digit account number ready.
What phone number should I use if I cannot use online Council Tax services?▾
Brighton & Hove says if you cannot use online services, you can phone 01273 291 291. Phonelines are listed as Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 1:30pm, closed weekends and bank holidays.
How do I view my Brighton and Hove Council Tax account and bills online?▾
Use the official “View your Council Tax account and bills” page. You can sign in or register for MyAccount, go paperless and view bills online.
What are Brighton and Hove Council Tax charges for 2026/27?▾
The standard 2026/27 charge is Band A £1,719.63, Band D £2,579.44 and Band H £5,158.88. Special areas such as Rottingdean Parish, Hanover Crescent, Marine Square and Royal Crescent have different totals.
How do I check my Brighton and Hove Council Tax band?▾
Use the GOV.UK Council Tax band checker. Search by postcode or address, then compare the result with Brighton & Hove City Council’s 2026/27 charges page.
Can I apply for Brighton and Hove Council Tax Reduction?▾
Yes. Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s official Council Tax Reduction form. You may need to upload photos or scanned images as evidence.
Can I get Brighton and Hove Council Tax Single Person Discount?▾
You may qualify if you are the only adult living in the property. If your situation changes, Brighton & Hove says you must stop the discount within 21 days to avoid extra charges.
How do students apply for Brighton and Hove Council Tax discount?▾
Use Brighton & Hove’s official student discount page. Full-time student households may pay no Council Tax during course dates, while mixed households may qualify for a 25% disregard discount.
How do I report a change of address for Brighton and Hove Council Tax?▾
Use Brighton & Hove City Council’s “Tell us about a change of address or tenancy” page. There are separate routes for residents, students, landlords, tenant changes and property sales.
What should I do if I cannot pay Brighton and Hove Council Tax?▾
Use Brighton & Hove’s official “What to do if you cannot pay your Council Tax” page, check Council Tax Reduction, and contact the council early before arrears become more serious.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Brighton and 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.