Council Tax Support has changed from 1 April 2024
Council Tax Support (also known as Council Tax Reduction) provides financial assistance with Council Tax bills for residents who are on a low income.
A new scheme has been introduced from April 2024 for working age customers only. Residents on a low income and have less than £6,000 in savings, may be eligible for assistance.
Further detailed information about the scheme can be found on our benefits pages.
Adult Social Care (ASC)
Government has allowed councils who are responsible for providing ASC to increase their Council Tax again this year. The funds raised by the ASC precept are ring-fenced to use for the provision of Adult Social Care services.
Bills show the figures relating to both general expenditure and the Adult Social Care (ASC) precept; each are accompanied by a percentage change figure. We have chosen to increase the general expenditure precept by 2.9985% and the ASC precept by 1.9975%. These figures are shown rounded as 3% and 2% respectively on your bill.
The percentage increase for the ASC element is calculated on the combined total of the Dorset Council and ASC charges from last year's bill. Whilst we understand this looks different to how other percentage increases are displayed, the bills have been calculated correctly, in accordance with regulations and guidance, and should be paid as requested.
How it is calculated
The following example shows how the ASC precept has been calculated for 2024/25 based on a band D property. The principle of calculation is the same for all bands.
| Shown on your new bill | 2023 to 2024 bill | 2024 to 2025 bill | Increase as a percentage of combined total | Increase between 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025 charge | How the percentage is calculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset Council | £1,666.26 | £1,723.41 | 2.9985% (3% rounded) | £57.15 | 57.15/1905.93 = 2.9985% |
| Adult Social Care Precept | £239.67 | £277.74 | 1.9975% (2% rounded) | £38.07 | 38.07/1905.93 = 1.9975% |
| Dorset Council combined total | £1,905.93 | £2,001.15 | 4.9960% (5% rounded) | £95.22 | 95.22/1905.93 = 4.996% |
In this example the combined total from 2023/24 is £1,905.93 and the percentage change figure that is shown on the bills are 3% for general expenditure and 2% for the ASC.
The ASC increase shown for 2024/25 is calculated based on the Dorset Council combined total charge for 2023/24 (in this example, £1,905.93).
The ASC precept increase is calculated as follows:
£1,905.93 x 1.9975% = £38.07
£38.07 + £239.67* = £277.74 (*2023/24 ASC charge)
This amount is then added to the 2023/24 ASC precept of £239.67 as this is a cumulative charge:
£62.22 (2017/18) + £39.81 (2018/19) + £32.52 (2020/21) + £50.76(2021/22) +£17.73(2022/23) + £36.63(2023/24) + £38.07 (this year’s increase) = £277.74
Note - There was no ASC increase in 2019/20
See more information on previous years ASC.
Your bill shows the amounts charged by Dorset Council, Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and your Town/Parish Council (if appropriate) for the services they provide.
Community Governance Review
Dorset Council carried out a Community Governance review of parishes in the Dorset Council area during 2021 and 2022. The recommended changes take effect from 1 April 2024 and has affected some customers Council Tax bills.
As the physical boundary of some parishes has changed a number of properties have moved from their existing parish council into a neighbouring town or parish council. Some parish councils have merged or formed group parishes.
In some cases, the parish or town council element shown on Council Tax bills may be different this year from last year, as will the charge and the percentage increase. This will reflect your new town or parish area. The Council Tax team cannot amend the charges associated with your new town or parish council.
You can find out more on our community governance review webpage or in the leaflet included with the bill.