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Failing to pay your Council Tax

What if I don't pay my Council Tax?

If you don't pay the amount you owe within seven days of your payment due date, we'll send you a reminder. The reminder will tell you the date you must make a payment by to prevent any further recovery action being taken. You'll need to pay your next due instalment on its due date as per your last bill.

What if I don't pay after I get a reminder?

If you don't pay by the due date on your reminder, we'll send you a summons which will ask you to pay the full year's Council Tax charge. The summons will be sent seven days after the due date on your reminder.

Additional costs will be added to your account.

What if I don't pay after I get a summons?

If you receive a summons and you can't pay the balance in full, we can arrange repayments which suit your financial circumstances. To discuss this, please call us on 01642 726006. Our phone lines are open Monday and Wednesday (10am to 4:30pm), and Friday (10am to 4pm). They are closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

If you still don't pay, we can:

  • pass your case to an enforcement agent (a bailiff)
  • take repayments directly from your wages using an 'attachment of earnings order'
  • take money from your Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, or Guaranteed Pension Credit
  • make an application against you for bankruptcy or a charging order

If you still don't pay, you risk a prison sentence.