Council Tax Arrears Advice
The Council’s policy
- to collect all instalments as they become due
- to ensure that we treat all council tax payers fairly and consistently
- to act in accordance with current regulations while trying to be responsive to individual circumstances
What can I do if I have trouble paying the bill?
As soon as you realise you are having difficulties paying your council tax:
Contact the Council’s Recovery Team on 01395 517448.
You may be entitled to a reduction in your bill, for example, with a single person discount or with council tax benefit. From 6th October 2008 the time limits for backdating council tax benefit have been reduced so it is important that you do not delay in contacting us. Another way in which we may be able to help you is by rescheduling your instalments. But whatever the circumstances, it is very important that you do not just ignore the bill.
What will happen if I don’t pay?
If you miss a council tax payment we will send you a reminder notice giving you seven days to bring your instalments up to date. If you do so within the time limit printed on the notice, but fall behind with your payments a second time, we will send you a second reminder.
Some people like to play 'the reminder game' - not paying until a reminder arrives. But if you miss making a payment for a third time in the financial year, or if you do not pay the full amount stated on the first or second reminders within the time limit given, we will send you a Final Notice. This means that you must pay the total amount outstanding for the rest of the financial year within seven days. It isn't worth the risk!
If we have sent you a Final Notice, and you do not pay the total amount, we will start recovery action. Please avoid letting matters reach this stage. Contact us on 01395 517448 as soon as possible if you have problems in making payment.
What recovery action can the Council take against me?
We can apply to the magistrates’ court for a Liability Order. We will send you a Summons telling you the date of the court hearing and the amount we are seeking to recover from you - this will be the full amount of unpaid council tax plus our costs in making the application (currently £40). Only payment in full will stop us making the application to the magistrates. However, if you can make an immediate part payment, please contact 01395 517448.
If you agree with the amount on the Summons, you do not have to attend court because the magistrates can issue the Liability Order in your absence. If you disagree with the amount on the Summons, contact us straight away so that we can talk about it.
If the magistrates grant a Liability Order, it gives us additional powers to recover the unpaid council tax and to demand certain information from you which you are legally required to give.
The Council's extra powers include:-
1. Attachment of Earnings Order - this lets us take the money you owe directly from your wages.
2. Deductions from benefit - this lets us take the money you owe directly from certain benefits.
3. Bailiff Action - we can employ bailiffs to recover the debt - this process is known as the levy of distress. The charges involved are quite considerable and you will be held liable for them.
4. Bankruptcy Proceedings and Charging Orders - we can begin the appropriate proceedings if your debt is over certain amounts.
Could I go to prison for not paying my council tax?
Yes. Council tax is a priority debt.
We do not need your agreement before taking any of the above courses of action.
You can get free, independent advice from a local 
Citizens' Advice Bureau (15KB - PDF Help) (CAB) or you can find more information in our booklet Arrears Advice. Please ask us to send you a copy or view it here. (127KB - PDF Help)
