What to do if you’ve missed council tax payments
Falling behind on council tax is more common than you might think. Whether it’s a one-off slip or part of a wider money struggle, a missed council tax payment can quickly become more serious if left unchecked. But there are steps you can take, and help is available.
This guide explains what happens when you fall into arrears, what your rights are, and how to get back on track if you can’t pay council tax in the UK right now.
Why council tax matters
Council tax helps fund vital local services like rubbish collection, schools, street lighting, and emergency services. If you live in a property in the UK, you’re usually responsible for paying it, and it counts as a ‘priority debt’ because of the serious consequences if it goes unpaid.
Unlike some other bills, your local council can take swift legal action if you don’t pay. That’s why it’s so important to deal with council tax arrears as soon as possible, even if you can only afford a small payment at first. Councils tend to be more flexible if you make an effort to communicate early.
What happens if you miss a payment?
Usually, if you miss a council tax payment, you’ll get a reminder from your local authority within 14 days. If you pay within 7 days of that reminder, you can usually continue paying in monthly instalments as normal.
However, if you don’t pay within that 7-day period, your right to pay in instalments can be withdrawn. That means the full yearly balance becomes due immediately. If that still isn’t paid, your council can take further action.
Missing more than one payment in a year means you won’t get any more reminders – the full amount becomes due straight away. This is why acting quickly, even with a part payment, can make a big difference.
What happens if you ignore it?
If you don’t respond to reminders or make a payment, your council can apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a liability order. This is a legal document confirming that you owe council tax, and it gives the council extra powers to recover the debt.
These can include:
- Deducting money directly from your wages or benefits
- Instructing enforcement agents (bailiffs) to collect the debt
- Adding extra fees to the total amount owed.
If bailiffs get involved, costs can spiral quickly – and in very rare cases, non-payment could lead to court action or even prison. While that sounds daunting, the important thing to remember is that you can usually avoid things escalating if you act as soon as possible
How to deal with council tax arrears
If you’ve already missed payments and you’re now in arrears, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your council – Let them know your situation. Most councils will work with you to set up a payment plan.
- Check if you’re entitled to a discount – You might qualify for a reduction if you live alone, are on a low income, or receive certain benefits.
- Review your budget – Prioritise council tax in your monthly outgoings. It’s considered more important than non-priority debts like credit cards.
- Ask for breathing space – If you’re getting debt advice, you may qualify for the government’s Breathing Space scheme. This gives you legal protection from enforcement action for up to 60 days while you work on a longer-term solution.
Can’t pay council tax in the UK? You’re not alone
More and more households are struggling with household bills, and council tax is often one of the first to be missed when money is tight. If that sounds familiar, don’t blame yourself – the system can be complicated, and it’s not always easy to know where to turn.
There are different ways forward depending on your situation:
- Short-term issue? Your council may allow you to catch up gradually.
- Long-term financial difficulty? You might need to explore a more formal debt solution.
Either way, staying silent won’t help. The sooner you reach out, the more control you’ll have.
Understanding your rights
Even if you’re in arrears, you still have rights. For example:
- Bailiffs can’t enter your home without permission on their first visit.
- They must give you at least 7 days’ notice before coming.
- You can refuse entry and deal with the debt in other ways.
You also have the right to:
- Request a breakdown of the debt
- Make a complaint if you feel you’re being treated unfairly
- Get professional debt advice before agreeing to any repayment plan.
It’s easy to feel intimidated when councils or enforcement agents get involved, but knowing your rights helps you stay calm and take the next step with confidence.
Should you borrow money to pay council tax?
It might feel like a quick fix, but borrowing to pay council tax usually makes things worse in the long run. You could end up with high-interest debt on top of the arrears. Instead, talk to a debt adviser who can look at your full situation and help you find a way to make council tax part of a manageable budget.
Looking at the bigger picture
If you’re behind on council tax, you might be struggling with other bills too. Rent arrears, credit cards, and utility debts often go hand in hand. Don’t wait until bailiffs are at the door. Start by speaking to your council or reaching out to a trusted adviser. You can find free, impartial advice via MoneyHelper. Or, get in touch with MoneyPlus. We’ve been helping people in the UK manage priority debts like council tax for over 25 years. We can help you understand how council tax fits into your overall debt picture and explore long-term debt solution
