Council Tax bill - how we work it out
You can download this guide, which explains the breakdown of a typical Council Tax bill for 2025-2026.
These are the steps we take to work out your Council Tax bill:
- We work out how much money we need to raise from Council Tax - see our planned spending for 2025-2026.
- We divide the cost between all the properties in Central Bedfordshire – this is based on everyone paying the same (a Band D rate).
- We calculate how much should be paid for your individual property – this depends on your Council Tax band, and assumes that the property is occupied by at least 2 adults.
- We add on the amount you have to pay for Police and Fire service charges and your town or parish council – they work out their budgets separately, but the amount you pay still depends on your Council Tax band. You can also view the town and parish council precept.
- We apply any Council Tax Support or discounts you are entitled to, or add an extra charge if your property is long-term empty.
We then calculate how much your instalments will be – this depends on your instalment plan, but standard Council Tax instalments are spread over a 10-month period, due on the 5th of each month from April to January.
The easiest way to pay your bill is by Direct Debit – find out how to set this up, along with other payment methods available to pay your Council Tax.