Council Tax in Portchester

Property

Council tax for Portchester residents is set and collected by Fareham Borough Council, with precepts added by Hampshire County Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner. The total council tax bill is the sum of all these elements and depends on the valuation band of the property. Residents receive a single bill in March or April each year covering the forthcoming financial year.

Properties in England are banded from A (lowest value) to H (highest value) based on their estimated market value as at 1 April 1991. This means the bandings are based on property values more than thirty years ago, which can feel arbitrary given how much the market has changed since then. Most homes in Portchester fall into bands C to E, reflecting the predominantly suburban, mid-value housing stock. Period cottages near the castle and harbour-front properties may fall into higher bands, as may larger detached houses in the newer developments.

Fareham Borough Council publishes the council tax rates for each band on its website each April, when the new financial year begins. The council tax bill covers a wide range of services. The borough council element pays for refuse collection, recycling, street cleaning, planning, environmental health, parks and leisure facilities. The county council element, which is the largest part of the bill, funds education, highways and transport, social care, libraries and other strategic services. The police precept funds Hampshire Constabulary, and the fire precept funds the fire and rescue service.

Residents who live alone are entitled to a 25 per cent single person discount on their council tax. This is the most commonly claimed discount. Students living together in a household are fully exempt from council tax. Other discounts and exemptions may apply in specific circumstances, including for severely mentally impaired individuals, certain carers, empty properties (for a limited period) and properties undergoing major repair. Council tax support, which replaced the old council tax benefit in 2013, is available for those on low incomes. Applications are made through Fareham Borough Council's benefits team.

Payment is normally made in ten monthly instalments from April to January, with the option to pay over twelve months instead. Payment can be made by direct debit (the most convenient method and the one the council encourages), online through the council's website, by telephone, or at a post office. Falling behind on council tax payments can lead to enforcement action including court summonses and bailiff visits, so residents experiencing financial difficulty should contact the council early to discuss their options. Payment arrangements can usually be made to help those in temporary difficulties.