The Council needs to collect and use certain types of information about the people it deals with so that it can provide Council services. The Council is also legally required to collect and use certain types of information to keep to laws regulating Council Tax, Housing Benefits and Electoral Registration for example.

It is important to remind residents and businesses of the way important and personal information is handled by the Council in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Your name and address, which you provide to administer Council Tax, Business Rates and Housing and Council Tax Benefit, may be used by Guildford Borough Council to promote and provide efficient Council services. We will not disclose personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Property details regarding address and Council Tax band/Business rateable value is publicly available information and is therefore not restricted in its use.

We will restrict the use of all other information you provide to us through contact you have with us on Council Tax, Business Rates and Housing and Council Tax Benefit matters – for example bank details, payment plans, discount/exemption status and receipt of any benefits. We believe this information is confidential and we will only disclose it if required by law or if necessary to prevent and detect crime. We will keep you informed of any changes in the law, which might affect the way we use and share your personal information.