How to pay your council tax
You can pay your council tax by direct debit, online, by phone, by post, or in person and from 1 April 2013 you can now choose to pay over 12 monthly instalments instead of 10. However this means that you will make a payment every month and not have the 2 'council tax-free' months in February and March.
There is a surcharge of 1.65% if you make a payment by credit card. There is no charge to use your debit card to make a payment.
Your bill shows how much council tax you have to pay. Payments should be received on or before the date they are due. Please allow at least three working days for the payment to reach our account.
Customers using the Post Office will have to pay the Post Office standard charge, at present £1.45. However the government is promoting basic bank accounts for the payment of state benefits. You can also use some of these accounts to pay bills such as your council tax.
More information on basic bank accounts is available from post offices, banks and building societies. You can also read about bank accounts on the Money made clear website.
By direct debit
Pay monthly on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th of each month.
- It's simple - just call 0345 3022 312 and tell us your bank details.
- It's convenient - choose from six dates every month and no form to fill in.
- It's secure - the direct debit guarantee protects all your payments.
How to set your direct debit
You can sign up to direct debit online.
Or you can set it up by phone. Call 0345 302 2312 we'll take your bank details and set your direct debit up there and then.
Once you have signed up we'll send you a confirmation letter that includes a copy of the Direct Debit guarantee. We'll also give you at least ten working days notice of the amounts that will be debited from your bank account. You should continue to make payments as shown on your bill until you are told the direct debit is set up.
Pay online
Pay your council tax online on our payments page.
By credit or debit card
Call on 020 8290 2086. You will be connected to an automated touch-tone facility that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full instructions on using this facility are given in each call.
You can also pay by credit or debit card in person at our customer centres in Brixton and Streatham.
By internet or phone banking
All the information you need is on the back of your bill.
By PayPoint
You can pay in cash only at any PayPoint retailer. The retailer will need to scan your PayPoint barcode to process your payment. The PayPoint barcode can be found on the front of your council tax bill or on the first page of your payment slip set.
In person
You can pay at any bank, Post Office or PayPoint outlet and we have a cashiers office at:
You must take your payment slips or bill with you. Please allow at least three working days for the payment to reach our account.
If paying at a Post Office you will have to pay their standard charge. Banks may also make a charge for payment at their branches. PayPoint outlets take cash payment only but the service is free.
Our cashiers offer a free service for payment by cash, cheque or credit and debit cards. Remember, you should take your bill or payment slip with you when you go to pay.
The cashiering office at Olive Morris House is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
By post
Send a cheque or postal order made payable to 'London Borough of Lambeth' to:
- Lambeth Cashiers Service
PO Box 67060
18 Brixton Hill
London SW2 9HQ.
Please write your account number on the back and enclose a payment slip. Do not send cash. Post dated cheques are not accepted.
We will pursue all avenues to collect council tax from those who refuse to pay, and in some instances this has resulted in bankruptcy for people who have persistently refused to pay.
While court action is always a last resort, we are mindful that every pound not paid is a pound we cannot spend on services.