Council Tax bills for the 2025/26 financial year will be issued on 12 and 13 March 2025. If you have questions about your bill, payment options or available reductions, our frequently asked questions below should help.
Why has my bill increased?
There are two key reasons why your Council Tax bill may have gone up this year:
- Scottish Water charges: water and wastewater charges, which are set by Scottish Water, have increased by 9.9%. More details are available on Scottish Water’s website.
- Council Tax increase: at the Full Council meeting on 27 February 2025, councillors approved a 9% increase in Council Tax.
If you are struggling to make payments, contact us at Council.Tax@dumgal.gov.uk or call 030 33 33 3005.
I receive full Council Tax Reduction – why do I still have to pay?
Council Tax Reduction only covers your Council Tax charge. You are still responsible for water and sewerage charges, which are included in your bill.
Why am I being charged for water and sewerage when I am not connected to the mains supply?
Check your bill carefully. By law, we must show water and wastewater charges for your property band. However, if these charges appear in the calculation box and you are not on the mains supply, please contact us, and we will raise a query with Scottish Water.
What does my Council Tax pay for?
Council Tax contributes to a wide range of council services, including education, social care, waste collection, and road maintenance. There are no reductions for individuals who do not use certain services. You can find council budget reports and expenditure details on our website.
How can I pay my bill?
There are several ways to pay:
- Direct Debit: set up a Direct Debit to spread payments over 12 months, with a choice of four payment dates or weekly/fortnightly payments
- online payments: pay securely online
- automated telephone payments: call 01387 273003 (available 24/7)
- by phone: speak to an adviser at 030 33 33 3005 (lines may be busy after bills are issued).
- in person: pay at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet with your Council Tax card or barcoded bill
- by post: send cheques (payable to Dumfries and Galloway Council) with your account reference written on the back to:
Dumfries and Galloway Council, Enabling and Customer Services, PO Box 9089, Dumfries, DG1 9EB.
I want to change my Direct Debit bank details – how do I do this?
You can either:
- Update your details directly with your bank, who will notify us automatically
- Complete a new Direct Debit instruction online
- Call 030 33 33 3005, and we will update it over the phone.
Why has my Direct Debit missed a month?
If your balance changes, we must issue a revised bill before collecting payments. If there isn’t enough time to send your new bill before the next payment date, the instalment will move to the following month. If this happens frequently (for example, due to Universal Credit changes). consider switching to a weekly or fortnightly Direct Debit.
I recently moved – why is my new address not on my bill?
Bills were generated using data extracted on 2 March 2025. If you notified us of a change after 28 February 2025, your bill will not reflect this, but a revised bill will be issued soon.
How do I check if I am entitled to a discount or exemption?
You may be eligible for discounts or exemptions depending on your circumstances. A full list and application forms are available.
Can I get a reduction if someone in my household is disabled?
If you or a household member is permanently disabled and your home has been adapted to meet their needs, you may qualify for a Disabled Band Reduction.
Is there financial support for water and sewerage charges?
Yes. The Water Charges Reduction Scheme (WCRS) provides support for households receiving Council Tax Reduction. If you qualify for 100% Council Tax Reduction, you will automatically receive a 35% reduction on your water and sewerage charges. There is no need to apply separately.
I am on a low income – can I get any help?
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction.
I recently applied for Council Tax Reduction, but my bill doesn’t show it.
Bills were generated using data from 2 March 2025. If your claim was processed after 28 February 2025, your bill will not reflect it, but you will receive a revised bill soon.
If your decision notice is dated 26 February 2025 or earlier, but your bill does not show your reduction, please contact us.
I reported a change in circumstances, but my bill hasn’t changed.
If you reported a change after 28 February 2025, it will not be reflected in your annual bill, but you will receive an updated bill soon. A decision letter confirming the change will be sent to you.
If your decision letter is dated 26 February 2025 or earlier, but your bill does not reflect the change, please get in touch with us.
I have been receiving Council Tax Reduction, but my new bill doesn’t show it.
If your reduction was small, even a minor change in circumstances could affect your entitlement. If you have concerns, please contact us.
How do I get in touch with the Benefits section?
- Phone: 030 33 33 3006
- Email: HousingandCouncilTax@dumgal.gov.uk
For more information, visit our Council Tax webpage.