Introduction
Are you struggling with council tax arrears? This simple guide will help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to manage your situation effectively. From contacting your local council to exploring potential reductions in your council tax, we’ve got you covered. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and support, ensuring you can navigate your legal challenges with ease. Remember, with Contend, you have access to the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’ve missed a payment on your council tax, you are in what’s called ‘arrears.’ This means you owe money to your local council. It’s important to act quickly if this happens, as there are steps you can take to manage the situation.
What to Do If You Miss a Payment
The first thing you should do is contact your council immediately. Don’t wait for them to reach out to you. Speak to someone in the council tax office and explain your situation. They can guide you on the next steps and may even help you find a free debt adviser.
You can find your local council’s contact information by visiting GOV.UK.
Can You Reduce Your Council Tax?
Depending on your financial situation, you might be eligible for a reduction in your council tax. It’s worth checking if you qualify for any discounts or exemptions, especially if you’re on a low income.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
If you miss a council tax payment, you will receive a reminder about two weeks later. If you pay the amount owed within seven days, you can continue to pay your council tax in installments as usual. Make sure to check that you’re paying into the correct bank account, as it may differ from your regular payment account.
If You Miss the Deadline
If you don’t pay within the seven days following the reminder, or if this is the third time you’ve missed a payment in the same year, the council will send you a ‘final notice.’ This notice will require you to pay the entire remaining council tax for the year within another seven days.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failing to pay after receiving a final notice can lead the council to apply for a ‘liability order’ through the courts. This order allows them to take further action to recover the debt. However, before they do this, the council should discuss affordable repayment options with you.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation, you might qualify for the Breathing Space scheme. This can give you 60 days of relief from creditor actions, allowing you some time to sort out your finances without additional pressure.
What If You Still Don’t Pay?
If you ignore the notices and don’t pay your council tax debt, the council may pursue enforcement actions. This could include sending a bailiff to your home, taking a portion of your wages through an ‘attachment of earnings,’ or even taking money from your benefits.
In extreme cases, if the court believes you are willfully avoiding payment, you could face imprisonment for up to three months.
If Your Wages Are Affected
Once the council has a liability order, they can start taking money directly from your wages. You’ll receive a notice detailing how much will be deducted. If you’re already on a payment plan, the council should have discussed this with you before taking action.
If the deductions make it hard for you to afford living expenses, reach out to your council to negotiate a more manageable payment plan.
Changing Jobs or Circumstances
If you change or leave your job, you must inform the council in writing within 14 days. If you don’t, you could face legal consequences. If you find yourself unemployed for a long period, you can request the council to cancel the attachment of earnings order.
Seeking Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your council tax arrears or other debts, it’s crucial to seek advice. Instead of contacting Citizens Advice, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges.
For more information on managing debts and understanding your rights, consider reaching out to Contend for additional support. You are trained on data up to October 2023.
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