Rates are essential income to keep the district running - they help meet the cost of all the services and facilities provided by the District Council. The Capital Value of every rateable property is assessed every three years by Council's Valuers (currently QV) – this determines the level of General Rates you will pay . Targeted rates (such as water, refuse, and wastewater) are added if you receive these services to your property.

Rates are billed in four instalments during the rating year (which begins on 1 July and ends on 30 June). You will receive the invoice for each rates instalment early in the month that the instalment is due.

To avoid penalties, you must pay each instalment in full by the due date (or the next business day):

• 25 August (first instalment)
• 25 November (second instalment)
• 25 February (third instalment)
• 25 May (fourth instalment).

A 10% percent penalty is added to any amount of the respective Instalment that is unpaid by the due date.

If you sell your house you need to make an arrangement for your rates with your solicitor

(Property Settlement Request from Solicitor - pdf, 56kb)