How to Pay Council Tax in Bromley: Payment Plans, Direct Debit and Instalments

Payment Methods Available in Bromley

Bromley Council offers several ways to pay your council tax bill:

• Direct debit — the most common method. Set it up through your MyBromley account or Bromley Council's direct debit form. You can choose collection on the 1st, 15th or 24th of the month (or the next working day).
• Online payment — pay by debit or credit card through the Bromley Council website using your council tax account reference number.
• Telephone — call Bromley's 24-hour automated payment line on 0300 003 0089 with your debit card and council tax account reference.
• Standing order — arrange one through your bank using Bromley Council's published account details and your 8-digit council tax reference.
• By post — send a cheque or postal order (no cash) to P.O. Box 126, Bromley, BR1 3ZT, with your payment slip and reference.

Direct debit is worth setting up even if you normally pay manually, because it reduces the risk of missing an instalment and triggering the enforcement timeline. If you receive a reminder, Bromley says you must pay the amount requested within 7 days or lose the right to pay by monthly instalments.

Switching to 12 Monthly Instalments

By default, Bromley spreads your annual council tax across 10 monthly instalments from April to January. That means February and March are payment-free months — but the monthly amount is higher.

You have a statutory right under Section 2(2) of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 to request 12 monthly instalments instead, spreading the same total from April through to March. This reduces each individual payment.

For a Band D property in 2026/27, the difference is:

• 10 instalments: £214.00 per month
• 12 instalments: £178.34 per month

That's £35.66 less per month, which can make a real difference on a tight budget. To switch, complete Bromley Council's contact form and request 12-month billing.

What If You're Struggling to Pay?

If the bill is unmanageable even with instalments spread across 12 months, the first step is checking whether you're entitled to a reduction.

Council Tax Support is Bromley's means-tested reduction scheme. Working-age residents on low incomes or Universal Credit can get up to 50% off their bill, and pension-age residents can get up to 100%. Many people who struggle with payments are eligible but haven't claimed — particularly those on Universal Credit, because UC does not automatically register a council tax support claim. You have to apply separately through Bromley Council.

Non-means-tested discounts may also apply. If you're the only adult in your home, the 25% Single Person Discount reduces your bill automatically once claimed. The Severe Mental Impairment exemption, Disabled Band Reduction, and carer disregard can each reduce the bill further.

Our Bromley Council Tax Reduction guide covers every available reduction and discount, including how they stack, what evidence you need, and the application process.

If You've Already Missed Payments

Missing an instalment can lead to a reminder. If you do not pay the amount requested within 7 days of the reminder, Bromley says you lose the right to pay monthly and it will issue a summons for the full outstanding balance. If you have received a summons or are struggling to pay, contact Bromley's recovery team on 0208 603 3637 to discuss your account or a possible repayment arrangement.

If a liability order has been granted or enforcement agents are involved, contact a free debt charity immediately:

• StepChange: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848

They can give free debt advice and help you discuss repayment options with Bromley Council. Council tax is a priority debt — it should be dealt with before credit cards, store cards and most other bills.

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