Council tax frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I find out about my council tax payments?
All enquiries about council tax payments should be made to your local district or borough council. Links to their websites and other information can be found at Council Tax.
Find out how to Work out your Council Tax - GOV.UK.
Why has the County Council increased my council tax?
Given the funding pressures East Sussex County Council is facing, after careful consideration, the County Council has decided to increase its element of council tax in 2025/26 by 4.99% (2.99% council tax plus 2% Adult Social Care Precept) in order to protect the County Council's ability to provide its services now and in the future. These increases are shown on your council tax bill.
The information presented on my bill is confusing?
The information contained in the 2025/26 council tax bill is required to be presented in a certain way by The Council Tax (Demand Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Why is my bill different to the County Council increase?
The County Council increase relates to the East Sussex County Council element of the council tax charge. In addition to this on your council tax bill, there will be charges for your borough or district council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Fire Authority and, where applicable, your town and parish council.
Why do I have to pay for services I don’t use?
The council tax is not a charge for services, it is a tax. The tax system is centrally prescribed by Government and local authorities have no power to change the way it operates. The only body that can make changes is the Government. As such, the current system will remain in place until the Government decides changes are necessary.
Why is my bill showing 4.99% general increase but if I calculate it, it is more than 4.99%?
The 4.99% is an increase on the total amount from last year for general expenditure plus Adult Social Care (ASC) precept. The table below shows if you compare ESCC element from your 2025/26 bill to the total ESCC elements from 2024/25, the increase is 4.99%.
General percentage increase
| Band |
2024/25 a |
2025/26 b |
£ Increase c = b - a |
% Increase d = c ÷ a |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | £1,185.54 | £1,244.70 | £59.16 | 4.99% |
| B | £1,383,13 | £1,452.15 | £69.02 | 4.99% |
| C | £1,580.72 | £1,659.60 | £78.88 | 4.99% |
| D | £1,778.31 | £1,867.05 | £88.74 | 4.99% |
| E | £2,173.49 | £2,281.95 | £108.46 | 4.99% |
| F | £2,568.67 | £2,696.85 | £128.18 | 4.99% |
| G | £2,963.85 | £3,111.75 | £147.90 | 4.99% |
| H | £3,556.62 | £3,734.10 | £177.48 | 4.99% |
More information
If you have any specific queries about council services, contact us online.