Council Tax in Cosham

How local taxation works in Portsmouth

Council tax for Cosham residents is set and collected by Portsmouth City Council. As a unitary authority, Portsmouth provides all local government services, so the council tax bill covers everything from refuse collection and planning to education, social care and highways. The Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority add precepts to the bill.

Properties in England are banded from A (lowest value) to H (highest value) based on their estimated market value as at 1 April 1991. The bandings are more than thirty years old, which means they can seem arbitrary given how much the market has changed. Most homes in central Cosham fall into bands A to C, reflecting the predominantly terraced Victorian and Edwardian housing stock. Larger properties towards Portsdown Hill and in Drayton may fall into bands D to F.

Portsmouth City Council publishes the council tax rates for each band on its website each April. The bill covers a wide range of services. The council's element pays for refuse collection, recycling, street cleaning, planning, environmental health, parks, leisure and housing. The education element funds schools, special educational needs and early years provision. Social care, highways, libraries and other strategic services are also covered.

Residents who live alone are entitled to a 25 per cent single person discount. Students living together in a household are fully exempt. Other discounts and exemptions may apply for severely mentally impaired individuals, certain carers, empty properties and properties undergoing major repair. Council tax support is available for those on low incomes, with applications made through the council.

Payment is normally made in ten monthly instalments from April to January, with the option to pay over twelve months. Direct debit is the most convenient method. Falling behind on payments can lead to enforcement action, so residents experiencing difficulty should contact the council early to discuss payment arrangements.