Why has my bill increased?
Rother District Council has increased its Council Tax for the 2025/26 financial year by 2.99%.
The major precepting authorities have also decided to increase their share of the Council Tax.
East Sussex County Council by 4.99%
Sussex Police Authority by 5.54%
East Sussex Fire Authority by 4.65%
Further information on the finances can be found here:
I do not use all the services included in my Council Tax bill; do I still have to pay?
Yes. Council Tax is not a charge for services, it is a tax which is set by Central Government and Local Authorities have no power to change the way it operates. Council Tax funds services provided by Rother District Council, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire Authority.
My Council Tax bill shows an amount for Special Expenses. What is a special expense?
The Local Government Finance Act 1992 allows different Council Tax rates for different areas, such as parished and unparished areas, based on any special services provided there. A special item refers to a service that applies only to a specific part of the district. In Rother, Rye and Bexhill have special expenses. To find out more, please visit:
Is there any help available to pay the Council Tax bill?
Council Tax Reduction helps people on a low income, in or out of work, or in receipt of state benefits. The amount you can receive depends on your income and circumstances and is shown as a discount on your Council Tax bill rather than being paid as a benefit.
For more information and how to apply, please visit:
I live on my own, am I entitled to a discount?
Yes, you can apply for a 25% Single Occupancy Discount, by completing our online form:
How can I see if I am entitled to a Council Tax discount or exemption based on my circumstances?
To view a list of our discounts and exemptions, please visit:
I have Council Tax arrears and cannot afford to pay my new year’s bill as well, what can I do?
You must pay your new bill when the instalment dates are due. If you can’t afford to pay the arrears as well, please contact us to discuss and arrange a suitable payment plan.
The Council Tax Reduction amount has changed on my bill. Why do I have to pay more Council Tax?
Your entitlement may change due to your circumstances.
You can view how your Council Tax Reduction has been calculated online by registering here:
Can I pay the Council Tax charge over 12 months instead of 10 months?
Yes, please contact us so that we can arrange a new instalment plan.
Can I pay on an alternative date?
Yes, we have four payment dates to choose from, 1st 8th, 17th and 25th.
Please contact us so that we can arrange a new instalment plan.
Will my Direct Debit instruction continue from last year’s bill?
Yes, your Direct Debit instruction will continue.
How can I pay my Council Tax?
We have various methods of payment, please visit our website for more information:
I think my Council Tax band is incorrect. What can I do?
You will need to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) who maintain the Council Tax valuation list.
Challenge your Council Tax band: Overview – GOV.UK
Can I check my bill online?
To sign up and access your online account, you will need to register or sign in here:
I am having trouble accessing my online account, what can I do?
We have an FAQ page that may answer your question. Please visit:
If you are still experiencing difficulty, please contact us:
