Urgent debt problems · 5 min read
Council tax arrears: what happens if you fall behind
Council tax is a priority debt, which means the consequences of not paying can be serious. The good news is that councils often agree payment plans when you get in touch early.
How the process works
- Reminder notice: if you miss a payment, you get seven days to catch up
- Final notice: miss again and you can lose the right to pay in instalments
- Summons: the council applies to the magistrates' court
- Liability order: the court allows the council to recover the debt
- Enforcement: bailiffs, deductions from wages or benefits
Check you're paying the right amount
You may be entitled to a discount or reduction — for example the 25% single person discount, Council Tax Reduction for lower incomes, or discounts for students, carers and people with severe mental impairment.
What you can do
Contact the council as early as possible and offer an affordable payment. If the debt has gone to bailiffs, you can still negotiate. If you have other debts too, a formal debt solution may help.
Get help with council tax arrears →
This article is general information only and may not reflect your circumstances. Rules and limits can change, so always check the details with an authorised provider before making a decision.
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