Arun Council Tax Bills, Bands, Pay Online, Citizen Access & Phone Number Help
A practical Arun Council Tax guide for residents in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Arundel, Rustington, Angmering, Aldwick and nearby parishes who need to pay a bill, check 2026/27 charges, understand bands, use Citizen Access, claim Council Tax Reduction or contact Arun District Council.
🔒 Official Arun Council Tax Resources
Arun Council Tax Guide for Bills, Bands, Payment and Phone Help
Arun Council Tax is a local property charge collected by Arun District Council. Your bill is made up of several parts, including West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council, Sussex Police, fire services and any parish or town council charge that applies to your area.
Most residents search for Arun Council Tax because they need to pay online, use the phone payment number, check Bognor Regis or Littlehampton charges, understand their bill, use Citizen Access, claim Single Resident Discount, apply for Council Tax Reduction or get help if they cannot pay.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not Arun District Council and it cannot access your account. For payments, claims, discounts, account changes and legal decisions, always use Arun District Council or GOV.UK.
Pay or manage your bill
Use Arun’s official payment page for Direct Debit, online payment, phone payment, bank transfer and PayPoint/Post Office options.
Check your band and parish charge
Use GOV.UK for the band and Arun’s official table for the parish or town where the property is located.
Get help if eligible
Check Council Tax Reduction, Single Resident Discount, exemptions, 12-month instalments and Debt Assist if money is tight.
Arun Council Tax Pay Online, Direct Debit, Phone Payment, Bank Transfer and PayPoint
Arun says Direct Debit is the easiest, quickest and safest way to pay. You can also pay online by card, by phone, by online banking, by standing order, at PayPoint or at a Post Office using the barcode on your paper bill.
1
Open Arun’s official payment page
Start from arun.gov.uk before entering card or bank details.
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Go to Arun District Council’s official “Pay your Council Tax or claim a refund” page. This is the safest starting point for Direct Debit, online card payment, phone payment, bank transfer and refund routes.
Official payment page: Pay your Council Tax or claim a refund
2
Use the correct reference number
Online and phone payments need different references.
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For online card payment, Arun says you need your 10-digit Council Tax account number starting with 86. For card payments by phone, Arun says you need the 19-digit reference number found on your barcoded Council Tax bill.
If you are paying by online banking or standing order, use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as the payment reference.
3
Use the phone payment line if you prefer card payment
Useful when you have your barcoded bill ready.
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Arun lists 0330 0416 497 as the secure free 24-hour automated payment line. Keep your debit or credit card and the 19-digit reference number from your barcoded bill ready before calling.
4
Allow time for bank and PayPoint payments
Do not leave payment until the last day.
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Arun says online banking, telephone banking, standing order, PayPoint and Post Office payments can take up to 5 working days to reach the council. Keep your receipt or bank reference until your account updates.
| Payment Method | Official Route | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Arun Direct Debit service. | Best for regular payments; set up early before the instalment date. |
| Online card payment | Arun online payment page. | Use your 10-digit Council Tax number starting with 86. |
| Phone payment | 0330 0416 497. | Use the 19-digit barcoded-bill reference. |
| Bank transfer | Sort code 30-80-12, account 14615968. | Use your 10-digit Council Tax account number as reference. |
| PayPoint / Post Office | Barcode on paper bill. | Keep the receipt and allow 5 working days. |
Arun Council Tax Bills, Citizen Access Account, Paperless Billing and Bill Explanation
Arun says Council Tax bills for the year ahead are usually received by the end of March. You can manage Council Tax online through Citizen Access and sign up for paperless billing if you have an online account.
What your bill shows
Your bill shows the print date, Council Tax account number, band, property address, responsible people, annual charge, deductions, total amount and payment dates.
Citizen Access account
You can register, sign in, make claims or update details through Arun’s Citizen Access service hosted by NEC.
1
Register on Citizen Access if you are new
Use the official Arun-linked service.
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Arun explains that if you do not manage Council Tax online yet, you need your Council Tax account details, then register, answer on-screen questions, provide your email address, create a username and password, and activate your account by email.
Official bill guide: Understanding your Council Tax bill
2
Sign in if you already manage Council Tax online
Check account before paying again.
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If you already have Citizen Access, sign in with your username and password. Use it to check bills, claims or account updates before sending a query.
Citizen Access: Your Citizen Access account
3
Read the bill carefully before contacting Arun
Many answers are already shown on the bill.
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Check the account number, band, property address, total amount, deductions, premiums, payments already made and Direct Debit dates. Arun says payments made after the bill print date will not show on that printed bill.
Arun Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and VOA Band Appeal Help
Every domestic property in Arun is placed into a Council Tax band from A to H based on its value on 1 April 1991. Arun explains that the Valuation Office Agency decides the band, not the council.
Find your band
Use the GOV.UK Council Tax band checker with your postcode or address.
Check the parish charge
Arun publishes charges by parish or town, so do not compare your bill with the wrong local area.
Appeal carefully
If you think your band is wrong, GOV.UK and the Valuation Office Agency explain the appeal route.
1
Open the GOV.UK Council Tax band checker
This is the official band lookup route.
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Search your property by postcode or address and note the band shown. Do this before comparing annual charges.
Official band checker: Check your Council Tax band
2
Open Arun’s bands and charges page
Choose the right parish or town section.
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After confirming the band, open Arun’s official charges page and find the property’s parish or town. The same band can have different totals across the district because parish or town charges vary.
Official Arun charges page: Bands and charges
Arun Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Parish, Band D Examples and Bill Comparison Help
Arun Council Tax charges are published by parish or town. This is important because your total bill includes West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council, Sussex Police, fire services and any parish or town council charge that applies to your property.
| Example Arun Area | Band A 2026/27 | Band D 2026/27 | Band H 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bognor Regis | £1,692.66 | £2,538.99 | £5,077.98 |
| Littlehampton | £1,704.02 | £2,556.03 | £5,112.06 |
| Arundel | £1,679.87 | £2,519.81 | £5,039.62 |
| Rustington | £1,683.45 | £2,525.18 | £5,050.36 |
| Aldwick | £1,612.25 | £2,418.38 | £4,836.76 |
| Angmering | £1,667.45 | £2,501.18 | £5,002.36 |
Why your bill may not match a neighbour
Two homes in different parish areas can have different totals even if both are Band D. Always compare the same band and same parish or town.
Second homes and empty homes
Arun has separate Council Tax premium rules for second homes and long-term empty homes. Check the premium page if the property is not your normal occupied main home.
Official premiums page: Council Tax premiums
Arun Council Tax Discounts, Single Resident Discount, Exemptions and Premium Reductions
Arun has official routes for Council Tax discounts and exemptions. These can include single resident discount, student discounts, disregarded adults, empty property rules, severe mental impairment, care-related situations and premium reductions where rules apply.
Single Resident Discount
If only one adult lives in the property, you may be able to claim a discount. Tell Arun if another adult moves in.
Student and disregarded adult rules
Some people may not be counted for Council Tax. The exact rule depends on their status and evidence.
Premium reductions
Some second-home or empty-property cases may have specific exceptions, but you need to use Arun’s official guidance.
1
Open Arun’s discounts and exemptions page
Choose the correct discount before applying.
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Use the official Arun Council Tax discounts and exemptions page. Do not rely on a general explanation if your household has students, carers, disabled residents, empty-property questions or complex circumstances.
Official page: Council Tax discounts and exemptions
2
Tell Arun if the discount should no longer apply
Changes should not be ignored.
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Arun’s explanatory notes say you should notify the council within 21 days if circumstances have changed and a discount, relief or exemption should no longer apply. Failing to notify can lead to a penalty.
3
Use Citizen Access for forms and updates
Arun is online-first for Council Tax services.
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Arun’s Council Tax page links Citizen Access for viewing accounts, registering, making claims and updating details. If you cannot use online services, Arun lists email and phone help.
Arun Council Tax Reduction, Low Income Help, Universal Credit, Pension Age Rules and Discretionary Award
Arun Council Tax Reduction, also called Council Tax Support, is a discount that helps people on low income or certain benefits pay Council Tax. Arun says the size of the discount depends on weekly income, including Universal Credit.
Who should check support
Check if you are on a low income, claiming benefits, receiving Universal Credit, pension age, unemployed, disabled, or your income has recently changed.
What to prepare
Keep income proof, bank statements, pay slips, Universal Credit details, savings information, household details and Council Tax account information ready.
1
Open Arun’s Council Tax Reduction page
Apply as soon as possible if income is low.
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Arun says working-age awards cannot normally be backdated, so you should claim as soon as possible. Pension-age and working-age rules are different, so read the official guidance before applying.
Official page: Council Tax Reduction
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Use the online claim route in Citizen Access
Select “Make a new claim”.
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Arun says to follow the Apply for Council Tax Reduction link, select “Make a new claim” and follow the on-screen instructions. If you cannot complete the form and nobody can help, Arun lists 01903 737753 to arrange help within a week.
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Check discretionary support if you already receive CTR
Only apply if you already claim Council Tax Reduction.
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Arun says Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Award can help in severe financial difficulty if you already receive Council Tax Reduction. You will need claim number, income, pension, benefit and expenditure details.
Arun Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, lost discounts, delayed support, parish-charge confusion and extra recovery pressure.
Use the right reference
Online card and bank payments use the 10-digit Council Tax account number starting with 86. Phone card payment uses the 19-digit barcoded-bill reference.
Check your parish before comparing charges
Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Rustington, Arundel and other parishes have different annual totals. Compare the same parish and same band.
Allow 5 working days for some payments
Bank, PayPoint and Post Office payments may not show immediately, so keep receipts and pay before the due date.
Apply for support immediately
Arun says working-age Council Tax Reduction is not normally backdated, so do not wait if your income has dropped.
Use 12-month instalments if monthly payments are tight
Arun’s help page says you may be able to reduce monthly payments by spreading Council Tax over 12 months instead of 10.
Tell Arun within 21 days if discount changes
If a discount, relief or exemption should no longer apply, Arun says you should notify the council within 21 days.
Arun Council Tax Change of Address, Register for Council Tax, Tenant Changes and Landlord Updates
If you move into Arun, move out of Arun, move within the district or have a tenancy change, report it through the official Arun Council Tax routes. Liability depends on exact dates, occupancy, tenancy, ownership and who is responsible for the property.
| Situation | What to Tell Arun | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Arun | New address, move-in date, occupiers and previous address. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out of Arun | Leaving date, forwarding address and final bill information. | Helps stop liability at the correct date. |
| Moving within Arun | Old and new addresses with exact dates. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Tenancy change | Tenant names, tenancy start/end dates and property details. | Helps assign liability correctly. |
| Discount change | Date and reason your discount or exemption changed. | Avoids backdated corrections and penalties. |
Official Council Tax hub: Arun Council Tax services
Arun Council Tax Arrears, Help to Pay, 12-Month Instalments and Debt Assist
If you are struggling to pay Arun Council Tax, act early. Arun’s help-to-pay page says you may be able to reduce monthly payments by paying over 12 months instead of 10, and you should check discounts, exemptions and Council Tax Reduction.
1
Check your bill and account first
Know the exact amount before asking for help.
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Check your Council Tax account number, instalment dates, payments made, deductions, discount status and whether a payment may still be processing.
2
Ask to extend instalments if monthly payments are too high
This can lower the monthly amount.
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Arun says you may be able to reduce monthly payments by paying Council Tax over 12 months rather than 10. This does not remove the bill, but it can make each monthly payment smaller.
Official help page: Help to pay your Council Tax
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Use Debt Assist if council debts are becoming difficult
Useful when more than one council debt is involved.
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Arun’s Council Tax hub links to the Debt Assist service for council debts. Use it if missed Council Tax, benefit overpayments or other council debts are becoming hard to manage.
Arun Council Tax Refunds, Overpayments, Credit Balance and Bank Account Refund Help
You may have a Council Tax credit if you moved, overpaid, paid after a discount or Council Tax Reduction was applied, or kept paying after your liability ended.
Common refund reasons
Moving out, duplicate payment, revised discount, Council Tax Reduction, Direct Debit continuing too long or account correction.
What Arun asks
Arun’s refund page says you can use the online refund route if the Council Tax account is in your sole name and you want the refund paid to your bank account.
Official refund route: Pay your Council Tax or claim a refund
Arun Council Tax Phone Number, Payment Line, Citizen Access Help, Benefits Help and Contact Details
Use the correct Arun contact route depending on what you need. Keep your Council Tax account number, full name, property address, payment date, bill amount and claim details ready before calling or emailing.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automated payment line | Council Tax card payment by phone. | 0330 0416 497 24-hour automated payment line |
| Council Tax online-service help | Help if you struggle to use Arun online Council Tax services. | 01903 737752 revenues.benefits@arun.gov.uk |
| Council Tax Reduction help | Help if you cannot complete the online Council Tax Reduction claim. | 01903 737753 |
| Citizen Access | Account access, registration, claims and updates. | Your Citizen Access account |
| Main Council Tax hub | Payments, bands, discounts, changes, arrears and bill information. | Arun Council Tax |
Arun Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Arun Council Tax bills, bands, pay online, phone number, Citizen Access, Council Tax Reduction, discounts, moving home and arrears help.
How do I pay Arun Council Tax online?▾
Use Arun District Council’s official payment page. For online card payment you need a debit or credit card and your 10-digit Council Tax account number starting with 86.
What is the Arun Council Tax payment phone number?▾
Arun lists 0330 0416 497 as the secure free 24-hour automated payment line. You need your debit or credit card and 19-digit reference from the barcoded Council Tax bill.
What number can I call for Arun Council Tax online-service help?▾
Arun says if you are struggling to use online Council Tax services, you can email revenues.benefits@arun.gov.uk or call 01903 737752 for help.
How do I check my Arun Council Tax account and bills?▾
Use Arun’s Citizen Access account service. You can view your account, register, make a new claim or update Council Tax, Benefits or Business Rates details.
How do I check my Arun Council Tax band?▾
Use the GOV.UK Council Tax band checker. Arun explains that bands are decided by the Valuation Office Agency, not the council.
Why are Arun Council Tax charges different in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton?▾
Arun charges vary by parish or town because bills can include local parish or town council amounts as well as county, district, police and fire charges.
Can I get Arun Council Tax Reduction?▾
Yes, if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits. Arun says working-age awards cannot normally be backdated, so apply as soon as possible.
Can I get Arun Council Tax Single Resident Discount?▾
You may be eligible if only one adult lives in the property. Use Arun’s official discounts and exemptions page and report any change within the required time.
What should I do if I cannot pay Arun Council Tax?▾
Use Arun’s Help to pay your Council Tax page. You may be able to extend payments to 12 months, check discounts or exemptions, apply for Council Tax Reduction or use Debt Assist.
How do I report a change of address for Arun Council Tax?▾
Use Arun’s Council Tax hub and Citizen Access links to register for Council Tax or report a change in address, name, tenancy or circumstances.
Can I claim an Arun Council Tax refund?▾
Yes, if your account is in credit. Arun’s payment page includes a refund route and explains when a separate signed refund claim form may be needed.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Arun District Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Arun District Council and GOV.UK pages for payments, applications, account updates and legal decisions.