If you have failed to pay as requested on your Reminder then you will no longer have the right to pay by instalments.

If this is not paid, the Council will have to commence recovery action

What action can the Council take?

The Council can apply to the magistrates' court for a liability order.

You will be sent a summons telling you when the court will consider an application and how much the council is seeking to recover. This will include the cost to the council of making the application which is £20.00.

What are Liability Orders?

If a liability order is granted by the court, the council can demand certain information from you about your employment and earnings to help them decide how to recover the debt. You are legally required to give this information. It may help you to pay the bill. The cost of a liability order to you is an additional £75.00.

The Council will look at various ways to recover the debt and if you still do not pay

We could take our money from your earnings

If you are in work, the council can order your employer to recover the amount direct from your wages or salary and pay it straight to the council. This will be a set percentage of your NET pay. Your employer may also charge you a £1 administration fee. If you do not provide employment details when requested you may incur a fine of £1000 and a possible criminal record.

We could take our money from income support

If you are receiving Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance(Income Based) the council may be able to apply for deductions from that benefit. However, if you are in receipt of either of these benefits, always check that you are in receipt of the correct amount of Council Tax Benefit.

You could get a visit from the Bailiff to take some of your belongings

We may ask a bailiff to take some of your belongings. We will then sell these at public auction to pay off the debt. The costs to you can be quite considerable and will be added to your Council Tax debt. It is preferable therefore to try to agree a payment plan with you before matters reach this stage.

Your house may pay your Council Tax

The Council may apply to the Court for a Charging Order on your house. This means that you cannot sell your house until the Council Tax has been paid.

You may be made bankrupt

The Council may apply to the High Court to declare you bankrupt. This means that your assets will be sold and you will be unable to obtain credit.

We could Re-house you- in prison!!

The Magistrates may send you to prison for up to 3 months if he or she considers that you did not pay even though you had the money to do so.

Payment Difficulties

If you have any difficulty paying your Council Tax, please telephone the Council Tax & Benefit Service on 0208 430 2000 as quickly as possible. Do not leave the matter until court action has been taken, as this will result in you paying additional costs. It is possible that an alternative payment arrangement can be agreed with you, and formal recovery action can often be avoided.

Our Staff are here to help you wherever possible