Is Council Tax a Utility Bill?

Council Tax is not a utility bill, but it’s a mandatory charge. Learn what counts as a utility bill, proof of address, and examples of utility bills.

Many people wonder whether Council Tax is classed as a utility bill, especially when asked to provide proof of address. While both involve regular household payments, they are not the same.

This guide explains what a utility bill is, whether Council Tax qualifies, examples of utility bills, and how utility bills are used as proof of address.

What is a Utility Bill?

A utility bill is a regular payment for essential household services. These services include gas, electricity, water, broadband, and sometimes TV licensing.

Utility bills are typically:

  • Charged monthly or quarterly.

  • Based on usage (except fixed contracts).

  • Issued by private companies or service providers.

What Counts as a Utility Bill?

The most common utility bills include:

  1. Electricity – Charges for power usage from the National Grid.

  2. Gas – Payments for heating and cooking gas supply.

  3. Water & Sewerage – Costs for fresh water supply and drainage.

  4. Broadband & Landline – Internet and home phone line bills.

  5. TV Licence – Legally required for watching live television or BBC iPlayer.

These bills are essential for daily living, but not all household expenses count as utilities.

Is Council Tax a Utility Bill?

No, Council Tax is NOT a utility bill.

While both are household expenses, the difference is:

  • Utility bills cover services you directly consume (gas, water, electricity).

  • Council Tax is a mandatory local tax that pays for public services like rubbish collection, police, and fire services.

Does Council Tax Show as a Utility Bill on Proof of Address?

Yes! Even though Council Tax is not a utility bill, it is often accepted as proof of address.

How Much is the Average Utility Bill?

The cost of utility bills varies depending on:

  • Property size (flat, house, number of rooms).

  • Energy usage (high or low consumption).

  • Location (London vs. rural areas).

UK Average Monthly Utility Costs (2025 Estimates)

  • Electricity & Gas: £160 – £250 p/m

  • Water & Sewerage: £35 – £45 p/m

  • Broadband & TV: £30 – £50 p/m

  • TV Licence: £13.25 p/m

These prices change based on supplier rates, energy tariffs, and personal usage.

What is a Utility Bill Proof of Address?

A utility bill proof of address is a document showing your name and current residential address. It is commonly required for:

  • Opening a bank account.

  • Applying for a mortgage or loan.

  • Registering with a GP or dentist.

  • Verifying identity for government services.

Documents Accepted as Proof of Address:

  • Electricity, gas, or water bill

  • Council Tax bill

  • Bank statement

  • Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement

  • Mobile phone bill (not always accepted)

If you need a proof of address and don’t have a utility bill, a Council Tax bill is often accepted instead.

5 Examples of Utility Bills

Here are five common types of utility bills used for household expenses:

  1. Electricity Bill – Charged by providers like Octopus Energy, British Gas, EDF Energy.

  2. Gas Bill – Supplied by companies like E.ON, Shell Energy, SSE.

  3. Water Bill – Provided by regional suppliers like Thames Water, Scottish Water, Severn Trent.

  4. Broadband & Internet Bill – From providers like BT, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk.

  5. TV Licence Bill – Managed by TV Licensing UK for BBC channels.

These bills confirm your address and usage of essential services.

Final Thoughts

  • Council Tax is NOT a utility bill but is still an essential household expense.

  • Utility bills include electricity, gas, water, broadband, and TV licensing.

  • Council Tax is often accepted as proof of address, even though it’s not a utility bill.

  • If you need proof of address, check if a Council Tax bill is accepted by the organisation requesting it.