If you don't pay your Council Tax

This step-by-step guide explains what letters we send and the legal action we can take if you don't pay your Council Tax.

1. Contact us

You should contact us as soon as you have difficulties paying. This could stop extra costs being added to your bill.

Find out how we can help you if you're struggling to pay your Council Tax.

2. Reminders and final notices

If you don't pay an instalment, we'll send you a reminder notice.

If you pay a reminder and second reminder notice but miss a third instalment in a Council Tax year, we'll send you a final notice.

You must pay the amount on a reminder or final notice within 7 days.

Find out what to do if you receive a reminder or final notice.

3. Court summons

If you still haven't paid, we'll send you a summons. It will include a virtual court hearing date. This will add court costs to the debt you owe. 

Find out what to do if you receive a summons.

4. Liability orders and debt recovery

If you don't pay before the court hearing date, we'll ask the court for a liability order. This allows us to recover the money from you, and will add more costs to your debt.

Find out more about liability orders and how we can recover money from you. This could include taking money from your wages or benefits, or using enforcement agents.

Guidance

You can read details of our full Council Tax billing and collection process.