Recovery of council tax
This page is about the collection of council tax following the non payment of instalments.
If payment is not received in accordance with the council tax demand notice, the Council begins a process to recover the debt.
The process is outlined below, starting with the sending of the initial demand notice.
Recovery process
1. Demand notice
The first instalment is due no less than 14 days after the issue of a demand notice.
2. Reminder notice
If no payment is received within 14 days of the instalment due date, then a reminder notice will be served.
If payment is not received within 7 days of the issue of a reminder notice, then the taxpayer loses the right to instalments, and the full amount is due within 14 days.
Reminder notices page.
3. Final notice
Prior to applying for a liability order, a final notice needs to be sent stating every amount that will be included in the liability order.
Payment is due within seven days of issue, to prevent application for a liability order.
Final notices page.
4. Summons
A summons is to be served at least 14 days prior to the court hearing and will include costs of £45.
Arrangements can be made at this stage, but a liability order will be applied for unless the summons has been paid in full, adjourned or withdrawn.
To make an arrangement please telephone 01737 276779.
5. Liability order
An application will be made at the court hearing for summons that are still outstanding. The application includes costs of £35.
Once a liability order has been granted, the authority has the powers to use the following recovery methods:
- attachment of earnings
- deductions from income support
- bailiff action
- bankruptcy
- charging orders.
To make an arrangement at this stage or to discuss your account please telephone
- 01737 276545
- 01737 276540
- 01737 276535.
Bailiff action
The Council usually tries to enter into a payment arrangement after considering individual circumstances.
We will only use 'bailiff action' if the council tax payer has failed to contact the Council at this stage, or broken a payment arrangement.
Charge for Bailiff visits.
- 1st visit - £24.50
- 2nd visit - £18.00.
If you require further information on Council tax bailiffs, see our Council tax bailiff fact sheet .
Last updated : 26/05/2009
