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Important notice for Somerset West and Taunton residents - We are upgrading our system for Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates - Read about the changes

Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rate changes

Important information about bank account and Direct debit changes and Council Tax, Benefits, and Business Rates system upgrades

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Bank Account and Direct Debit Changes

As part of the Local Government Reform and the move to the new Somerset Council, we are making improvements to how we manage our bank accounts and revenues.

If you pay by Direct Debit, your bank may notify you about changes to your Direct Debit details. These changes could include updates to the sort code, account number or payee name.

Please be assured that these changes are part of our transition process. Your payments to Somerset Council will continue as normal, and you don’t need to do anything unless your bank tells you to.

We are working hard to make this change as smooth as possible. You can continue to trust your Direct Debit arrangements.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we improve our services.

Somerset Council systems upgrades

We are in the process of upgrading our system for Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates. Details of service disruption due to the system changes will be made available on this page.

Somerset West and Taunton system downtime

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The new Somerset West and Taunton system will be available mid November.

During the time the system is being upgraded:

  • There will be some disruption to online forms. More details will be available nearer the time. Claims for benefits or changes in circumstances will still be available.
  • Customer Services will be unable to process changes or claims during this time, but will continue to give advice.
  • Housing Benefit customers will receive a letter with details of their Housing Benefit payment dates. This is just to keep you informed, as we will be aligning payment dates across Somerset.
  • Payments online and using the automated phone line can be made as normal.
  • Direct Debits will also continue as normal. We don’t anticipate having any issues with Direct Debits, but should customers wish to cancel or amend their Direct Debit for the 1st, 8th, 15th, 20th, 23rd October, or 1st or 8th of November payment, they will need to contact their bank directly.
  • Bank Details – Our Service User Numbers and Mandate References are changing.  Look out for more information.

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Residents are reminded that the Council will never contact them to ask for bank details by phone, email or text message.

Last updated: November 11, 2025

Next review due: May 11, 2026

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