Information for new residents
If you have recently moved, or are about to move to South Gloucestershire, here are the things you will need to do and information you may want to know.
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Register for council tax
Information you will need to register for council tax includes:
- your full name and contact details
- your new address
- the completion date if the property was purchased
- the tenancy start date if the property is rented (including your landlord’s details)
- the date you moved in (if different to above)
You can also:
- check council tax charges and bands
- find out how to pay your council tax
- check if you are eligible for council tax discounts and exemptions
Once you have received your first bill with your billing number you can set up a council tax account so that you can view your council tax payments online and manage your billing and payment options.
More information on council tax.
Check your waste and recycling collection dates
You can check your waste and recycling collection dates and how often we collect.
In South Gloucestershire we provide various bins and containers for the different types of waste and recycling. Find out how to sort your waste and recycling and how to order new bins and boxes if needed.
You can subscribe for a fortnightly garden waste collection. It costs £60 per green bin for a year’s subscription. This is reduced to £30 per green bin if you receive certain benefits.
Remember to put your bins and containers out by 7am on your collection day.
More information on waste and recycling.
Register to vote
It is important that you register to vote at your new address.
To register you will need your:
- National Insurance number
- date of birth
- full address details
Apply for school place or find childcare
Find out which schools are in your area and apply online for a school place.
You can check the term dates for South Gloucestershire.
There are different types of childcare options available and what you decide on will depend on your needs as a family. Check the details of all local registered childcare providers.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The SEND Local Offer is your source of information on the help and support available in South Gloucestershire for families and children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Knowing what is out there gives you more choice and control over what support is right for you.
Find local health and care services
For your nearest hospital, GP, dentist and pharmacy, visit the NHS website to find services near you.
If you, or someone you care for, requires specialist support, check our health and social care section.
Wellbeing
One You South Gloucestershire offers information to support healthy lifestyles and wellbeing for adults.
Mind You provides information on mental health and emotional wellbeing hub for local young people.
We work with a number of advice agencies as part of South Gloucestershire Advice Services to provide free, confidential and independent advice.
Find parking and travel information
There are several residents parking schemes in South Gloucestershire. Check if your area has a residents parking scheme.
To help you get about and explore the area, visit our local transport information pages.
If you are 65 and over you can apply for free bus travel.
Your community
Enjoy some leisure and culture
Find information on our library services and how to join your local library.
Get active and find your nearest sport and leisure centre.
There are some great places to visit, check our local attractions, museums and tourist information centres for more information and suggestions of where to go.
Get involved
You can have your say on issues which affect you by registering for updates on our consultations. We also have a Viewpoint panel for local residents to share their views and help make sure we deliver great services in the area.
Attend your local Community Engagement Forum where you can hear about what’s going on in your community and raise any questions or issues you my have.
There are lots of opportunities for volunteering in South Gloucestershire.
Why not work with us. Search our careers website for the latest vacancies.
Keep in touch
Sign up for South Glos eNews and follow us on social media
Stay updated with the latest South Gloucestershire Council news by signing up to our email newsletter for residents and following us on social media.
Many of our council meetings are open to the public. You can attend either in person or online.
Create a South Gloucestershire Council account
The South Gloucestershire Council account enables you to track the progress of your reports and requests, saving you time and helping you avoid having to call us or visit our offices.
Contact us
If there is a service you want, a payment to make or a problem to report, you can do it online:
You can also use our website search to find information that can help.
If you need to to speak to someone you can contact us by phone or visit us in person at one of our One Stop Shops, check our locations and opening times.