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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tax-free childcare


With Tax-free childcare, the government pays £2 for every £8 you pay your childcare provider (via an online account). This is for children from 0 to 11 years old (or 16 if your child is disabled).

You can use this to pay your registered childcare provider, including:

  • childminders, nurseries and nannies
  • after-school clubs and play schemes
  • schools
  • home careworkers working for a registered home care agency

Visit Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and to apply online.

You can use tax free childcare at the same time as: 

You cannot use tax free childcare at the same time as: 

  • Universal credit
  • Tax credits
  • Childcare vouchers