If you meet the Council Tax criteria as a Suffolk resident, you have to pay Council Tax to support funding for:
Your district or borough council collects your Council Tax. It is then distributed to the organisations listed above.
How to pay council Tax
Each Council Tax year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Before the start of each Council Tax year, your district or borough council will send you a single bill which details the amount of Council Tax owed to the organisations listed above.
You will not receive a separate bill from Suffolk County Council for its portion of your Council Tax.
Find more details of the Council Tax billing and collection arrangements for each district and borough council:
You can enter your postcode on GOV.UK to find your local council.
Council Tax changes for 2025-2026
Suffolk County Council agreed its 2025-26 Revenue Budget an 2025-29 Capital Programme at its meeting on Thursday 13 February 2025.
As part of this, the council agreed to increase its portion of Council Tax by a total of 4.99% for the year 2025-26 (from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026) for Suffolk householders.
The 4.99% rise comprises:
- an increase in the element relating to county-wide services equivalent to a 2.99% rise in total Council Tax; and
- an increase in the element ring-fenced to help fund Adult Social Care (the Adult Social Care Precept) equivalent to a 2.00% rise in total Council Tax.
Apply for Council Tax reduction
This is sometimes called Council Tax support. You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%.
You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.
What you get depends on:
- where you live - each council runs its own scheme
- your circumstances (for example income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
- your household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- if your children live with you
- if other adults live with you.
Visit gov.uk for more information.
Cost of living support
Find out what help is available to support you through the cost-of-living challenge. We have a range of advice for households, businesses and charitable organisations as well as ways people can offer support. Go to the cost of living support pages for more details.
