Council Tax recovery process

If you’re struggling to pay

We understand that paying Council Tax can be difficult. If you're unable to pay, please contact us as soon as possible, we’re here to help.

Contact our Council Tax recovery service

What happens if you don’t pay

  1. Reminder notice
    If you miss a payment, we’ll send a reminder. If you don’t pay within seven days, your right to pay by instalments may be cancelled and the full balance will become due.

  2. Contact attempts
    If we have your phone number, we may try to contact you by phone or text to avoid further action.

  3. Court summons
    If payment is still not made, a Magistrates Court summons may be issued. This adds costs to your account. At the hearing, we’ll apply for a Liability Order against you.
  4. Liability Order
    Once a Liability Order is granted, we may take one or more of the following actions:

  • set up a payment arrangement based on what you can afford
  • deduct payments directly from your wages (Attachment of Earnings)
  • deduct payments from your benefits (Attachment of Benefit)
  • send a Committal Notice requiring you to attend court
  • Instruct an Enforcement Agent (formerly known as a bailiff)
  • apply a Charging Order to your property
  • begin bankruptcy proceedings

Ways we can help

If you’re having difficulty, we may be able to offer:

  • special payment arrangements
    We will ask you about your earnings and the bills you have to pay, and make a special arrangement based on what you can afford to pay.

  • Council Tax Support
    We will look into your circumstances to see whether you can claim Council Tax Support or any other benefit, which will help to make the most of your income.

  • Discounts or Exemptions
    Depending on your circumstances. For example, you may be disabled, a carer or a student.

Enforcement and committal

  • enforcement agents
    If your account is passed to an enforcement agent, they may arrange a payment plan. If not, they may remove goods to recover the debt.

  • Committal Notice
    If you receive a Committal Notice, you must attend court. Contact the officer named in your letter or make full payment online to stop further action.

Make a Payment Online