What happens if I can't or don't pay?
The Council is required to collect Council Tax. If you have any difficulty paying your Council Tax, please contact us straightaway. Do not wait until you receive a summons, as this will result in you paying additional costs. If possible we will make an alternative payment arrangement with you and avoid formal recovery action. If you miss a Council Tax instalment you will get a reminder giving you seven working days to pay the missing instalment. If you do not do so, you will lose the right to pay by instalments and will be asked to pay the remaining Council Tax in full. If this is not paid, the Council will commence recovery action.
What action can the Council take?
The Council can apply to the Magistrates' Court for a Liability Order.
You will be sent a summons telling you when the Court will consider the application and how much the Council is seeking to recover. This will include the cost to the Council of making the application.
You may attend Court if you feel that the order should not be made.
If you receive a Council Tax summons, you must contact us straight away in order to make an arrangement.
Liability Orders
If a Liability Order is granted by the Court the Council can demand certain information from you about your employment and earnings. You are legally required to give this information. Failure to do so may result in a penalty being awarded. This will include the Court costs.
Attachment of Earnings Orders
The Council can order your employer to recover the amount direct from your wages or salary and pay it straight to the Council. This will be a set percentage of your NET pay. Your employer may also charge you a £1 administration fee for each deduction.
Deductions from Benefit
If you are receiving Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) the Council may be able to apply for deductions from that benefit. If you are in receipt of either of these benefits, please ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of Council Tax Benefit.
Bailiffs
The Council can employ bailiffs to recover the debt. The costs to you can be considerable and are in addition to your Council Tax debt. It is better to make an arrangement with us before matters reach this stage.
