Advice and benefits
Council tax
Council tax applies to all residential properties. The amount you have to pay depends on which valuation band your home is placed in. The council is responsible for collecting the Council Tax you pay and this goes towards the local services we provide.
Benefits
A benefit is financial assistance to help pay for things like rent, council tax, care services or school clothing. We try and assist you by making sure you get the benefits you are entitled to. We also have a dedicated team who investigate allegations of benefit fraud.
Housing advice
If you are experiencing housing problems we aim to help. If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply looking for help with your housing solution we can give you comprehensive housing advice.
Births, deaths and marriages
Birth, marriage and death registration is managed by our Register Office. We also provide civil marriages, civil partnership ceremonies and citizenship ceremonies - as well as a service for copies of certificates.
Trading standards
We are here to protect the interests of consumers and businesses in Sandwell. If you want pre shopping advice with buying a second-hand car or booking a holiday or if you are a Sandwell business needing specialist legal advice, we are here to help.
Preparing for emergencies
Sometimes emergencies and disasters occur that can have various effects on our society and the environment in which we live and work. We have a specific unit that deals with major emergencies and produces plans in preparation for any major emergency.