Eltham Council Tax Guide: Bands, 2026/27 Charges, How to Pay and Discounts

If you live in Eltham, New Eltham, Mottingham, Well Hall, Eltham Park or Avery Hill, your council tax bill comes from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The council's wards page lists the wards covering the area as Eltham Page, Eltham Park and Progress, Eltham Town and Avery Hill, and Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham. Everything below is from the council's own council tax pages, starting at council-tax. Figures change each April, so check the page before acting.

What are the council tax bands?

The council's band and charges page lists the bands by 1991 property value: Band A up to £40,000, Band B £40,001 to £52,000, Band C £52,001 to £68,000, Band D £68,001 to £88,000, Band E £88,001 to £120,000, Band F £120,001 to £160,000, Band G £160,001 to £320,000 and Band H over £320,000. The band reflects a valuation made at that 1991 date, not today's market value.

How much is council tax for 2026/27?

For 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the council publishes these standard annual charges (the page lists these as the standard charges, excluding Gloucester Circus):

• Band A: £1,405.13
• Band B: £1,639.31
• Band C: £1,873.51
• Band D: £2,107.69
• Band E: £2,576.07
• Band F: £3,044.44
• Band G: £3,512.82
• Band H: £4,215.38

The page explains that the bill covers the charge the council sets for its own services plus a Greater London Authority charge for police, fire and transport services. Check your bill for how the total is split.

How can I pay?

The council's how to pay page calls Direct Debit the easiest way, lets you choose which day of the month payments are taken, and spreads payments over 12 monthly instalments. When we read it, the page said online Direct Debit set-up was temporarily unavailable because of system issues, so check whether that has been fixed. Other options listed are:

• Online payment through the council's payment portal, either one-off or in monthly instalments.
• Phone, on 0300 332 0202.
• Bank transfer, using the council's bank details printed on the page and your account number as the reference.
• In person at a Post Office or PayPoint outlet, by cash, card or cheque, as the page describes.

You need your council tax account number, which is on your bill. The council also lists a service to manage your council tax online on its council tax pages. The full balance is due by 31 March each year.

What discounts and exemptions are there?

The council's discount and exemption page lists groups who may qualify, including people who live alone, full-time students, people who are severely mentally impaired, carers, people living in care homes, hospitals or hostels, owners of annexes, religious community members, people in job-related housing, and diplomats and visiting forces. It also mentions care leavers and Homes for Ukraine visa holders, who have different application routes. You need your 8-digit council tax account number, may need to provide proof, and the council says applications can take up to 21 working days to process. It also says you must report changes in circumstances within 21 days or face possible penalties. Confirm the single person discount percentage on the council page.

What do I do when I move?

The council's moving or changing page has separate forms to tell the council you are moving home, to register for council tax in Royal Greenwich, to report a death, and to give someone permission to discuss your account.

Where can I get help if I can't pay?

The council's get help paying page links to guidance if you are struggling, to applying for help to pay your council tax, and to a Housing Payment or Council Tax Hardship Fund. Contact the council early rather than ignoring a bill.