How to Pay Council Tax
Council Tax is a yearly charge that can be paid over ten or twelve instalments beginning April.
We will always give you 14 days notice before instalments are due to begin. Your Council Tax bill clearly states the instalment dates and the amounts you need to pay to clear the bill in a year.
If you have your Council Tax account reference you can check your council tax balance.
Payment Options
Direct Debit
This is the easiest and most convenient way for you to make payment. It takes the worry out of remembering to pay because the Council collects the payments direct from your bank or building society account on a fixed date each month. For monthly payers we generally take payment on the last day of each month (or the next working day if this falls on a weekend or bank holiday). You are always advised at least 14 days in advance of any changes in the amounts or dates, so that you have time to query the bill if necessary.
To set up council tax payment by Direct Debit download the Direct Debit form or contact 01200 414448 to request a form is posted to you. Please return the form to the Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe BB7 2RA. We are unable to set up Direct Debit over the phone, via email or on-line.
Online
Pay your council tax online you will need a valid debit or credit card and the eight digit council tax reference number found on your bill. (This number will start with a 1).
Telephone
You can pay your Council Tax by debit/credit card over the telephone.
Contact our customer services team during office hours on 01200 425111.
In person
Payments can be made at the Council Offices at Church Walk, Clitheroe.
The cash office opening times:
Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.55pm
We accept cash, cheque, debit card or credit card (a charge applies to credit card transactions).
Please note that we do not accept post-dated cheques.
If you wish to pay in person in Longridge or the villages, please contact 01200 425111 to discuss how we can help you.
By post
Payment should be sent to Ribble Valley Borough Council, Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2RA. Your council tax account reference number must be quoted. Cheques must be made payable to 'Ribble Valley Borough Council'.
- Please do not send your council tax bill with your cheque.
- No receipt will be issued for your payment unless a stamped addressed envelope is enclosed with your cheque.
- Post dated cheques will not be accepted.
Twelve instalments
Council tax is split over 10 payments between April - January (one payment each month).
You can choose to pay your council tax over 12 instalments (April-March). To do this you must submit your request stating that you wish to make payments by 12 instalments to ctax@ribblevalley.gov.uk or by post.
Your request must be received no later than mid April for 12 instalments to apply.
Having difficulty paying Council Tax?
Please contact us as soon as possible on 01200 425111 or ctax@ribblevalley.gov.uk to discuss what support and assistance that we can offer you.
If you are struggling with bills please refer to our debt advice page for further information.