What happens if you do not pay your council tax
If you are struggling to pay call us on 01454 868003 or visit one of our One Stop Shops as soon as possible, as there is help available.
The process we follow
If you miss an instalment, we will send you a reminder notice. If you do not pay or contact us within 7 days you face court action.
If you pay the instalment by the date requested, but miss another instalment in the same financial year we will send you a reminder notice again. If you do not pay or contact us within 7 days you face court action.
If you receive a reminder notice twice in the same financial year, and then go on to miss a third instalment you will receive a final notice and you must pay the whole year’s council tax within 7 days, or face court action.
Summons and court hearing
If you get a court summons you will be charged additional costs which will be added to your unpaid bill.
If you have a query about your summons, call us on 01454 868003 or visit one of our One Stop Shops before the date of the hearing so we can advise you further.
In extreme cases non-payment of council tax could lead to a prison sentence. Find further information about the legal status of council tax.
Debt recovery
Visit GOV.UK to find out what councils do to recover council tax arrears.