Council Tax

The council are one of the few creditors who can obtain an actual arrest warrant for non-payment, so don't avoid paying this debt. Even if they don't obtain a warrant, they have many lesser powers to make sure you pay.

What Action Can the Council Take Against Me?

28 days after a non-payment, the Council may issue you with a court summons through the magistrate's court. It is important to contact the Council straight away as they may give you extra time in order to make an offer towards the outstanding bill.

If, after the second consecutive missed payment, you have still not settled the bill within 28 days, the Council are within there rights to request the full amount. However, it still maybe worth contacting your local authority as some may accept your offer.

If your Council Tax is still not paid after a court summons and you are issued with a liability order from the magistrate's court, you will settle your bill in one of the following ways:

• Deduction from Income support or Job seekers allowance.
• Deduction from your wages via an attachment to earnings.
• Bailiffs will come to your home and seize goods to help pay the outstanding bill.

I'm Having Trouble Paying My Council Tax - What Can I Do?

• See if you qualify for Council Tax Benefit. All low income families, and families with no income at all, qualify and many can claim either full or part assistance. If you have made an application for housing benefit, then an automatic assessment will also be made for Council Tax Benefit and outstanding bills will be either credited or adjusted. Back dating is generally not allowed, so make sure this is claimed as soon as possible.
• You may get a discount if you are the only adult in the house or the other adults are full-time students, on training schemes or have mental disability. There is also something called the Second Adult Rebate if you share the house with someone on a low income who does not pay rent and is not your spouse or partner.
• Contact the council and try to come to an arrangement. Write in explaining the circumstances enclosing your financial statement. Explain the situation and that your offer will prevent any further arrears and any court costs. You will find that department generally accepts any proposal you make to clear the arrears monthly. It doesn't usually matter how low the payment, as long as it is something and it is regular. If your local Council will not co-operate or your offer is refused, continue to make your payment and contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Contact your local Councillor and explain your difficulties to them. This will at least ensure you get a sympathetic hearing from the council and your councillor may be able to help you negotiate a rate of payment you can afford.

How can I pay my Council Tax bill?

There are several ways that you can pay a tax bill:

• Pay by direct debit or Girobank transfer over ten months
• Pay the whole amount by cheque or swipe card at your Council offices
• Pay the bill monthly or at shorter intervals at your Council offices in cash or payment card