Chichester Council Tax: Bands, Who You Pay, Discounts and How to Pay

Who collects council tax in Chichester?

Chichester District Council collects council tax from the households in its area. As the council's 2026/27 information guide explains, the money is shared between the district council, parish councils where they charge a precept, Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council. Your bill, which the council says was issued on 13 March 2026 for the year from 1 April 2026, shows your band and the amount payable. The council's council tax hub is where you manage everything.

What are the council tax bands?

The district council's guide says each dwelling is placed in one of eight bands according to its open market value on 1 April 1991. As published, the bands are: A up to and including £40,000; B £40,001 to £52,000; C £52,001 to £68,000; D £68,001 to £88,000; E £88,001 to £120,000; F £120,001 to £160,000; G £160,001 to £320,000; and H more than £320,000. The valuations are done by the Valuation Office Agency, so later changes in what a property is worth do not alter its band.

The amount charged for each band differs depending on the parish you live in. The council links to a tool on its band and charge page so you can look up your own band and charge. We have not copied the figures into this guide because they vary by parish.

Can I challenge my band?

The council says appeals about the banding of a property go to the Valuation Office Agency. For other grounds, such as being told you are liable when you are not the resident or owner, a property you believe is exempt, or a calculation error, you appeal to the council through its appeal page. The guide notes that you must keep paying at your current band until an appeal is decided.

What discounts are there?

According to the council's guide and band, charges and appeals page:

- Your bill assumes at least two adults live in the home. If you are the only adult and it is your main home, you can claim a 25 per cent single person discount.
- Some people are disregarded when counting adults, which can qualify the household for a discount.
- A disabled band reduction can apply where a resident adult or child needs a wheelchair indoors or a special room because of a disability.
- Some properties are exempt, and the council's information and support page lists a full exemption for a property left empty after a death, in specific circumstances, with an application form for the exemption.
- Council tax support (reduction) is available for people on low incomes.

What about second homes and empty homes?

The council says that for 2026/27 its local discount for empty and unfurnished properties, second homes and properties needing major works is 0 per cent. It also says that from 1 April 2025 a premium of 100 per cent is added to the charge for second and holiday homes, and that an empty homes premium applies to properties empty for a year or more, at 100 per cent over one year, 200 per cent over five years and 300 per cent over ten years. There are exceptions, listed on the council's second homes and empty properties page.

How do I pay?

As set out on the council's pay your council tax page, council tax is normally paid in 10 monthly instalments between April and January. You can ask to pay twice a year or once a year. The options published are:

- Direct debit, on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 25th or 28th of the month, which the council calls the most convenient method. It shows on your statement as CDC Revs.
- Debit card online, or by the automated phone line on 01243 534880. The council says you cannot pay council tax by credit card.
- Cash or cheque at any Post Office or PayPoint using the barcode on your bill. The council says it only accepts cash payments itself if a court summons has been issued.
- Internet banking, using the bank details printed on the council's page and your council tax account number as the reference.

You can also ask for your 2026/27 instalments to be spread out to March 2027, provided your account is up to date when you ask.

How do I tell the council I am moving?

Use the change your address form, which covers moving into, within or out of the district. The council's online account service, described on its My council tax guide, also lets you set up a direct debit, apply for a single person discount, view bills and sign up for paperless billing. Its phone number for council tax queries on the support page is 01243 534501.

What if I am struggling to pay?

The council says to contact it so that it can discuss your options, and that people on a low income may get council tax reduction. Its information and support page explains what happens if a bill goes unpaid, so it is better to get in touch early.