What to do if you can't pay step-by-step

If you’ve missed a Council Tax payment or are worried you won’t be able to pay on time, it’s important to act quickly. In many cases, you can set up a payment arrangement and avoid further action.

Pay your Council Tax online now

Set up a Payment Arrangement

Set up a Special Payment Arrangement (If you have received a court summons)

How we can help

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax by the date requested, you can set up a payment arrangement. We recommend that you pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit because payments are made automatically - so you're less likely to forget to pay.

You can:

  • Pick a payment date that suits your budget
  • Choose monthly Direct Debit, or
  • Choose monthly cash instalments or
  • Choose weekly cash payments ((if you’ve received a court summons).

You can find step by step guidance below on what happens if you miss a payment and what you need to do at each stage.

Benefits, reductions and money advice

Council Tax Reduction

If your income is low or you receive state benefits, you may be entitled to help with your bill.

Independent financial advice

If you’re experiencing financial difficulties:

Discounts and exemptions

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a Council Tax discount, exemption or reduction. Make sure you are receiving everything you’re entitled to, as this may reduce the amount you need to pay.

View your Council Tax account online

You can check your Council Tax account at any time by signing up to My Account.

This allows you to:

  • View your bill
  • See payments you’ve made
  • Check your next payment due date.

If you don’t pay on time

There are set steps we must follow if a payment is missed. The sections below explain what each notice means and what you can do.

Reminders and final notices

The process step-by-step

  1. Reminder notice

    If you are late with your payment, you will get a reminder letter advising how much you should pay to bring your account up to date.

  2. Second reminder notice

    If your Council Tax falls into arrears again at any point in the current financial year, you will be sent another reminder asking you to bring your account up to date within ten days.

  3. Final notice

    If you do not bring your account up to date following the second reminder, you will be issued with a final notice and you will lose your right to pay by instalments.

  4. Magistrate’s Court Summons

    If you do not pay, a court summons will be issued and you will be liable to pay for the full year, plus legal costs.

  5. The court hearing

    A court hearing will be held if your arrears and legal costs are not paid following the issue of the court summons notice.

  6. The outcome

    Following the court hearing, you may be issued a court order.

  7. Enforcement Agent fees

    Information about the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 effective from 6 April 2014 and fees applicable for cases referred for recovery prior to 6 April 2014

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