Do I have to pay council tax?

Unless the property you live in is exempt, you must pay council tax.

There are discounts and reductions that can be applied for.

Council Tax is a statutory tax on occupiers, and some owners, of homes in the council's area. It is not a charge for individual services provided. The amount of money we collect from council tax goes into a central fund. This is so we can provide services to benefit the whole of North Tyneside.

You cannot opt out of paying council tax

'Freeman on the land' and similar groups believe that people are only bound by the contracts and laws they have consented to. You do not have a choice whether you are liable for council tax. And you cannot choose which laws to obey and which to ignore.

Being a 'freeman' does not exempt anyone from paying council tax.

There are many misleading articles and templates on the internet. They provide false information about the legality of council tax. Some people believe that using very old fashioned laws means they don't have to pay council tax. This is not true. You should seek proper legal advice before using them. You can not use them as a defence against council tax liability based on contract, consent and common law.

There is no contract involved

You do not need to have a signed legal contract agreeing to be liable for council tax. In the UK, the Local Government Finance Act 1992 determines council tax liability.

This sets out a council's rights to demand payment of council tax. It enables us to fund services, calculate council tax charges and determine who is liable. Individual agreements to pay council tax are not necessary.

Any reference to the following are irrelevant:

Companies Act,
Contracts Act,
Bills of Exchange Act,
or other acts of companies or contracts.

Council tax explained

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