From May 2026 we will begin sending text messages (SMS) and email reminders to residents who are behind with their Council Tax payments. This is a new system that allows us to send legitimate, secure information directly to residents.
If your Council Tax account falls into arrears, we may contact you.
If keeping up with your payments is difficult, please visit our 'What to do if you can't pay' page for support options.
The service can help prevent further statutory recovery notices being issued and may help you avoid additional costs.
To avoid missing future payments, you can set up a Direct Debit to ensure the bill is paid automatically every month. More information can be found on our 'Set up a direct debit' page.
How the Council Tax team will contact you
We may contact you using one or more of the following:
- text message
I haven’t been contacted
This service is offered to help prevent you from falling further into arrears, but it should not be relied upon. Messages may not always be sent, as this depends on whether we already hold your mobile number or email address.
How do I sign up?
If you would like to receive messages, please contact us to sign up to the service.
You are still responsible for paying instalments on time. If payments are missed, recovery action may be taken.
I’ve been contacted – how do I know if it’s genuine?
The text message will include a link that takes you to our payment page. It will look like this.
IMAGE
Please note you cannot reply to this message.
Emails
Emails will come from council.tax.knowsley.metropolitan.borough.council@notifications.service.gov.ukwith the subject line: Council Tax – Reminder.
Please note - you cannot reply to this email address.
If you're concerned
We will never ask you for personal details including your bank account. The link in our text messages will always start with https://www.knowsley.gov.uk.
If you receive a text message or an email about your Council Tax arrears and you're not sure it’s genuine, please call us on 0151 443 4476.
If the email or mobile number we hold is incorrect
If you receive a text message or an email about Council Tax arrears but the phone number relates to another person, please let us know so we can correct the details.
Please call us on 0151 443 4476 or email local.taxation@knowsley.gov.uk