Your bill explained 2021/22

COVID-19 response

In response to the pandemic we continue to work in a different way and the majority of the Revenues and Benefits team are working remotely. Our offices remain closed to the public for the time being and we encourage our customers to contact us by email or online where possible.    

Harmonisation

During 2020 we have continued to progress work to harmonise and process changes to our Council Tax systems. There has already been work undertaken to amend some Council Tax reference numbers, property references and to migrate some customers to a new payment date. From 2021 customers in all areas of Dorset have a standard instalment date of the 1st of the month, unless paying by Direct Debit, when there is an alternative instalment date. Work continues during 2021 to continue with this process.

We are also changing our bank account and so, if you make payment by standing order or online with your bank, please ensure you refer to your bill and quote the reference number from the front and use the bank details shown on the reverse. 

Dorset Council is responsible for providing local services. Read about how we spend our money, our priorities for the future and how we're trying to protect services for residents.

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.

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.

Your bill shows 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 1.997% and the ASC precept by 2.995%. Both of these figures are shown rounded as 2% and 3% 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 2021/22 based on a band D property. The principle of calculation is the same for all bands.

In this example the combined total from 2020/21 is £1,694.79 and the percentage change figure that is shown on the bill is 2% for Dorset Council general expenditure and 3% for ASC.

The ASC increase shown for 2021/22 is calculated based on the Dorset Council combined total charge for 2020/21 (in this example, £1694.79).

The ASC precept increase is calculated as follows:

£1,694.79 x 2.995% = £50.76

£50.76 + £134.55* = £185.31 (*2020/21 ASC charge)

This amount is then added to the 2020/21 ASC precept of £134.55 as this is a cumulative charge:

£62.22 (2017/18) + £39.81 (2018/19) + £32.52 (2020/21) + £50.76 (this year’s increase) = £185.31

Note - There was no ASC increase in 2019/20

Cheddington Parish

As a result of the dissolution of the South Perrott and Axe group parish council in 2019, 2 new parish councils were expected to be formed - Cheddington Parish Council and South Perrott Parish Council.

As no parish council was formed in Cheddington, a parish percept could not be levied in 2021/22. The percentage change shown on the bills for this area is based on the actual differences from 2020/21 and so reflects the change accordingly.

See more information on previous years ASC.