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.
Easter is a time for family, food, and a bit of a breather – but it can also bring unexpected costs. Between school holidays, days out, chocolate eggs and big meals, it’s easy to overspend without realising. To help you stay on track, we’ve pulled together some practical Easter money saving tips so you can…
April 2025: The Money Changes You Need to Know About April brings the council tax rise 2025 that will impact millions of households — here’s what you need to know. Whether you’re managing a tight budget, juggling bills, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing this…
Worried about the energy price cap increase 2025? From April 2025, the UK energy price cap will rise again, pushing the average household energy bill up to £1,849 per year. With energy costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, many are looking for ways to reduce their bills and access financial support. If you’re…
