We're sometimes asked about our right to collect data from our residents for Council Tax purposes. This includes questions asking us whether someone has given their consent or has authorised us to hold their data.

Under Regulation 8 of the Data Protection Act 2018, the authority does not require consent to process data that's necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest, or in exercise of the controllers official for the exercise of a function conferred by an enactment or rule of law.

The billing and collection of Council Tax is conferred on us, the authority, by Regulation 8 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

This is in keeping with Article 6 (c) and (e) of the GDPR regulations:

  • Article 6 (c), legal obligation: the processing is necessary for the Council Tax department to comply with the law

  • Article 6 (e), public task: the processing is necessary for the Council Tax department to perform a task in the public interest or for our official functions, and the task or function has a clear basis in law. That task is to collect money on behalf of the local authority

If you want to see the information the council holds on you, visit our rights guidance webpage. You have the right to ask about your personal data which is held by an organisation. It's not a process to instigate a dispute or complaint, nor is it a process to ask questions about anything other than your personal data.

Difficulties paying your Council Tax

If you're having difficulties paying your Council Tax, you can: