Should you find yourself in council tax arrears, you need to act quickly as missing payments can have serious consequences.
Home > Council Tax Debt
Council tax is a priority payment that needs to be paid regularly (or in a lump sum) and missing it can have serious consequences. If you’ve missed a Council Tax payment, you’re classified as being in council tax ‘arrears’ – this means you owe money to your council. Just as Council Tax is a priority payment, Council Tax arrears is a ‘priority debt’ meaning you need to pay it before other unsecured debts such as like credit cards.
You’ll get a reminder from the council about 2 weeks after you miss a payment. If you pay within 7 days, you don’t need to do anything else. The debt will be clear and you’ll be able to continue paying your Council Tax in instalments.
You’ll get a reminder from the council about 2 weeks after you miss a payment. If you pay within 7 days, you don’t need to do anything else. The debt will be clear and you’ll be able to continue paying your Council Tax in instalments.
If you don’t pay within 7 days of the final notice your council will usually apply to the courts for permission to collect the debt from you. They might send a bailiff to your home or take money from your pay.
If you find yourself unable to pay your council tax, ask your council if they’ll let you pay your Council Tax in smaller amounts. You’ll probably be asked to commit to paying a regular amount each month.
It can be difficult to juggle a number of debts at the same time and you may drop the ball sometimes, but being organised when it comes to your debts can help you avoid the more serious consequences involved. Why not try using a budgeting tool to plan your income and expenditure and ensure that your priority debts are taken care of first.
If you are struggling to repay Council Tax debt contact our expert debt advisors to discuss your options. Our team can help you put a plan in place to let your get back on top.
Call now on 0800 121 48 63 or use the contact form on this page.
Christmas toy appeals for families in need provide vital support during the holiday season, ensuring every child has the chance to experience the joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning. If you or someone you know is struggling this festive season, many organisations across the UK offer free toys and support for families in…
Understanding the Debt Crisis in Northern Ireland In Northern Ireland, a growing number of people rely on food banks, due to increasing poverty and financial challenges. Indeed, this trend underscores the urgent need for effective debt management. Most notably, young adults aged 18-25 are increasingly seeking food support. The Role of the Trussell Trust Jonny…
New research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has found that while many are struggling to meet financial commitments 7.4 million people were struggling to pay bills and credit repayments in January 2024, down from 10.9 million in January 2023.
