What Happens if You Don't Pay on Time?

The usual method of payment under Council Tax regulations is by 10 monthly instalments, from April to January.  This number will be reduced where bills are produced later in the year.

Taxpayers are required to make their payments by the due dates shown on their bills and it is essential that payments are actually received by the Council on or before the due date.

Where payments are not received on time, recovery action will begin without delay.

The maximum number of reminder notices you will receive will be two. If you continue to pay late after receiving two reminders you will receive a final notice and will lose your right to pay by instalments. If the full amount on the final notice is not paid a Summons will be issued which will incur legal costs of £95.00

If You Receive a Summons

If you are unable to pay the amount shown on the summons you should contact us immediately to discuss your account.  We will be able to advise you on the best course of action and offer a payment arrangement. If the amount remains unpaid the Council will seek a liability order at the Court Hearing. You have the opportunity to attend the Court, although the hearing is only to determine your liability, not your ability to pay.

Where payment of the amount shown on the summons plus costs is not made, or a payment arrangement has not been agreed a 14 Day notice will be issued, failure to respond to this will result in further recovery action being taken.  This may include Attachment to Earnings, Attachment of Benefit, the use of Bailiffs, bankruptcy or liquidation and ultimately Committal to Prison.

The Council can also legally request certain financial information from debtors, including employment details.  Where this information is not provided, further action may be taken in the Magistrates Court to obtain these details, which may result in a fine and additional costs being imposed.

If you have made an arrangement the Liability Order will be held until the agreed payment plan is cleared.

If you receive any notice from the Council regarding the non-payment of your Council Tax, do not ignore it, as this may mean that further action will be taken with additional costs being incurred.

If you are unable to pay your Council Tax, please contact the Council Tax office to discuss the situation when you may be able to make a suitable payment arrangement