Direct Debit
A Direct Debit is the most convenient and secure way to pay, ensuring your payments are made on time.
You have a choice with this payment option, such as;
- Pick a payment date that suits you. Either the 1st, 8th, 15th, 23rd or 28th of each month.
- Choose to pay over 10 monthly instalments from April to January, or 12 monthly instalments from April to March.
- Choose to pay four weekly. This means every four weeks, starting on a Monday for 12 instalments from April to February.
- Choose to pay fortnightly. This means every fortnight, starting on a Friday for 26 instalments from April to March.
- Choose to pay weekly. This means any day of the week Monday to Friday, over either 40 weeks to January or 52 weeks to March.
You can also download a Direct Debit mandate here. Please return this by:
- Email - [email protected]. Please use the subject line "Setting up a Direct Debit" followed by your account number set out like this <12345678>.
- Post - Sunderland City Council, City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AA.
When this is received, we will post out confirmation of your instalments at least 10 working days before your account is debited. Alternatively, you can speak to us on 0191 520 5551. Lines are open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Direct Debit Guarantee
- This guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.
- If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Sunderland City Council will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Sunderland City Council to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.
- If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Sunderland City Council or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Sunderland City Council asks you to.
- You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Amend Direct Debit details
If you already pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit, you can use this form to change your payment date, how often you pay or update your bank details. If you are setting up a new direct debit, we will automatically cancel the previous one and you will receive a new Council Tax bill when it has been set up.
If you are new to the area
If you are new to the area or this is your first time paying Council Tax, please complete the Moving into Sunderland area form to register and set up your Direct Debit.
Final notice or summons
If you have recently received a final notice or summons, you can find more information on the What happens if you dont pay your Council Tax page where you can complete a Financial Information form. Or you can call 0191 561 4388 to speak to a Council Tax Recovery Officer to arrange to pay by Direct Debit.
