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Difficulty paying

 
The Council Tax due for a year can be paid either in one lump sum or by instalments, which you may find easier.

The amount, and method of payment are detailed on your bill. But don’t forget if you wish to change the way you pay, you must contact us.

Arrears

If you are in arrears, and cannot bring your payments up to date, contact us immediately. We may be able to agree special terms for payment that might suit you better.

Non-payment

If you fall behind with your instalment payments a reminder will be sent to you, which you must pay within seven days if you want to carry on paying by instalments.

Remember that, if you do not pay the amount on the reminder, you will lose the right to pay by instalments and the full balance of the year's Council Tax must be paid within another seven days.

If you do not pay, the Council will apply to the court to issue a summons. You will be charged for the cost of this action against you, which will be added to the Council Tax you already owe.

However, if you do pay the balance plus the costs before the court date, the action will cease.

What to do if you get a summons

If you receive a summons for unpaid Council Tax, you must pay it and the costs immediately or contact the Council Tax section to discuss the matter.

If the full amount is not paid the matter will go to court, and a Liability Order will be granted against you. This gives the Council powers to take the following actions against you:

  • instruct your employer to take money directly from your earnings 
  • instruct the Benefit Agency to take money directly from your Benefit 
  • instruct a bailiff to collect your debt, which may include seizure of goods from you to sell at auction (if bailiffs are instructed, you will have to pay any costs that they incur) 
  • make you bankrupt 
  • make a charging order against your property.

Further information

For help and information, please contact our Council Tax office using the contact information in the menu on the right.

You can return to the main Council Tax information page here.

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