Index of the Article:
Understanding Council Tax Summons – Key Facts, Figures, and the Legal Process
How to Deal with a Council Tax Summons – Payment Plans, Negotiation Strategies, and Exemptions
How Different UK Councils Handle Council Tax Enforcement and Legal Ways to Reduce Your Council Tax
Common Mistakes UK Taxpayers Make with Council Tax and Expert Tips
Audio Summary of Key Points of the Article
Too Busy to read the article? No Problem! Listen to our podcast about: Changing Direct Debit for Council Tax
Understanding Council Tax Summons – Key Facts, Figures, and the Legal Process
What is a Council Tax Summons?
A Council Tax Summons is a legal notice issued by a local authority when a taxpayer fails to pay their council tax bill. If the arrears are not settled within the council’s reminder period, the local authority can take court action, leading to a summons.
According to GOV.UK, councils send a summons when a taxpayer:
Fails to pay their council tax after two reminder notices.
Misses payments despite a prior agreement with the council.
Has outstanding council tax from a previous financial year.
The summons informs the taxpayer that the local authority is applying for a liability order in the magistrates' court, which gives them legal power to collect the unpaid tax.
Council Tax Arrears: Key Statistics (2025)
Council tax arrears have been rising across the UK. According to the Local Government Association (LGA) and StepChange, as of 2025:
Over 3.6 million UK households were in council tax arrears.
Total unpaid council tax debt exceeded £5.4 billion.
Around 1.1 million council tax summons were issued in 2024 alone.
In England, an average of 15% of households struggled to keep up with their council tax payments.
Council tax enforcement cases involving bailiffs increased by 23% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Scotland and Wales have seen a 12% rise in council tax enforcement cases.
These figures highlight the growing financial burden on UK households and the increasing use of enforcement measures by local councils.
What Happens After You Receive a Council Tax Summons?
When a council tax payment is missed, the local authority follows this process:
Stage | Action by Council | Timeframe |
Missed Payment | Reminder notice issued | Within 7 days of missed payment |
Second Missed Payment | Second reminder issued | If another payment is missed later |
Third Missed Payment | Final notice issued (full year’s bill now due) | After the third missed payment |
No Payment After Final Notice | Summons issued to magistrates’ court | 7+ days after final notice |
Court Hearing | Council applies for a Liability Order | Usually within 2-4 weeks |
Enforcement Action | Bailiffs, wage deductions, or legal enforcement begins | If payment is still not made |
Legal Implications of a Council Tax Summons
Magistrates’ Court Hearing: The court does not assess whether the taxpayer can afford to pay; it only verifies whether the debt is due.
Liability Order: If granted, the local authority gains the power to collect the debt through:
Wage deductions (Attachment of Earnings Order).
Benefit deductions (for those on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit).
Bailiffs (enforcement agents) seizing property.
Bankruptcy proceedings (for larger debts).
Prison Sentence: If all other recovery attempts fail, the court may sentence the taxpayer to up to 3 months in prison (although this is rare).
How Much Does a Council Tax Summons Cost?
Receiving a council tax summons adds extra costs to the original tax debt. The average costs in 2025 are:
Court summons fee: £60-£100.
Liability order fee: £20-£50.
Bailiff fees (if enforcement agents are used):
£75 for the initial letter.
£235 for a visit.
Additional costs if goods are seized and sold.
For example, if you owed £1,200 in council tax, and the council took enforcement action, your total debt could rise to £1,600 or more after fees.
Can You Challenge a Council Tax Summons?
You cannot stop the summons simply because you cannot afford to pay. However, you can challenge it if:
The council made a mistake, such as sending the summons to the wrong address.
You have already paid the debt but the council failed to update records.
You were not liable for the council tax (e.g., an exempt property).
You did not receive prior reminders (although councils usually have records of issuing them).
To dispute a summons, contact the council immediately and provide evidence. If they refuse to withdraw the summons, you can attend the court hearing and explain your case.
Case Study: How a Council Tax Summons Escalated to Bailiff Action
James, a self-employed tradesman from Manchester, fell behind on his council tax payments due to a drop in income. He ignored the reminder notices, assuming he would "catch up later." After receiving a council tax summons, he missed the court hearing, assuming it was "just a formality."
The court granted a liability order, and within three weeks, bailiffs arrived at his home, adding £310 in enforcement fees. They threatened to seize his work van, which he relied on for his business. James was forced to pay the full amount in one go to prevent the seizure.
Lesson: Ignoring a council tax summons can result in severe financial consequences. It's crucial to engage with the council early and set up a payment plan.
How to Deal with a Council Tax Summons – Payment Plans, Negotiation Strategies, and Exemptions
Receiving a Council Tax Summons can be stressful, but there are ways to manage the situation effectively. In this section, we’ll cover how to negotiate with your council, set up a payment plan, and explore exemptions or reductions to lower your council tax debt. The goal is to help UK taxpayers avoid costly enforcement actions such as bailiffs, wage deductions, or court proceedings.
Negotiating with Your Local Council
The most important step after receiving a council tax summons is to contact your local council immediately. Councils have the authority to pause enforcement action if you engage with them and show a willingness to pay. Here’s how to negotiate effectively:
Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation
Before you contact your council, take the following steps:
Create a budget: List your income, essential expenses (rent, utilities, food, travel), and debts.
Determine an affordable repayment amount: Councils prefer realistic payment plans rather than promises you can’t keep.
Gather proof of financial hardship: If you’re struggling due to job loss, illness, or other issues, prepare supporting documents (e.g., bank statements, redundancy letters).
Step 2: Contact Your Council and Request a Payment Plan
Call, email, or visit the council office as soon as possible.
Explain why you missed payments and offer a reasonable repayment plan.
Ask for a 12-month payment plan (instead of the usual 10-month cycle) to reduce monthly instalments.
If you’re on a low income, request Council Tax Reduction (CTR) (covered later).
If your council has already passed the debt to bailiffs, ask if they can recall the case if you agree to a repayment plan.
Step 3: Make an Offer Based on What You Can Afford
Be honest about your financial limits.
If you can pay £50 per month, offer this amount. Do not agree to unrealistic payments just to avoid enforcement.
If your income fluctuates (e.g., self-employed), request a flexible arrangement.
Step 4: Get Written Confirmation
Ensure you get written confirmation of the agreement.
If the council refuses your offer, ask them to explain why in writing.
Example: Sarah from Birmingham lost her job and fell behind on her council tax. She owed £1,200 and received a summons. She contacted the council and provided proof of her Jobseeker’s Allowance. The council agreed to spread her payments over 12 months (£100/month) instead of sending bailiffs.
Council Tax Exemptions and Reductions
Many UK taxpayers overpay on council tax simply because they don’t realise they qualify for discounts or exemptions. Below are some ways to reduce your council tax bill.
1. Council Tax Reduction (CTR) for Low-Income Households
Available to low-income households or those receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit.
Reduction amount depends on income, savings, and household composition.
Some councils offer up to 100% council tax reduction for pensioners and disabled individuals.
Apply through your local council’s website (Find your council).
2. Single Person Discount (25% Off)
If you live alone, you can get a 25% discount on council tax.
Applies even if other people in the household are full-time students or under 18 years old.
3. Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) Discount (Up to 100%)
If someone in the household has severe mental impairment (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia, severe learning disabilities), they may be exempt from council tax.
Requires a doctor’s confirmation and evidence of qualifying benefits (e.g., Personal Independence Payment).
4. Disabled Band Reduction
If your home has been modified for a disabled resident (e.g., wheelchair access, extra bathrooms), you can apply for a lower council tax band.
5. Student Exemption (100% Discount)
If all residents in a property are full-time students, the property is exempt from council tax.
If only one non-student lives in the property, a 25% discount applies.
6. Carers’ Discount (50% or More)
If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week to someone who is not your spouse or child, you may qualify for a discount or full exemption.
7. Hardship Relief (Discretionary Reduction – Section 13A Relief)
If you are in extreme financial hardship, councils have the power to write off some or all of your council tax debt under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
You must provide proof of severe financial distress (e.g., medical conditions, job loss, eviction risk).
Example: Mark from Glasgow applied for Section 13A relief after a fire destroyed his home. The council cancelled his council tax bill for 6 months while he recovered financially.
What to Do If You Cannot Afford Any Payment
If you are in severe financial difficulty and cannot afford to pay anything, you have a few options:
1. Apply for a Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)
This stops enforcement action for 60 days, giving you time to seek financial advice.
Available through debt charities like StepChange and National Debtline.
2. Request Debt Write-Off (Extreme Cases)
Some councils agree to write off debts if you can prove you are unable to pay (serious illness, terminal diagnosis, long-term unemployment).
3. Consider a Debt Solution
Debt Relief Order (DRO): If your debts are under £30,000 and you have low income, council tax debts can be written off after 12 months.
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): If you owe large amounts, you can combine council tax debt with other debts into one affordable payment.
Example: Lisa from Sheffield, a single mother, was unable to pay her £2,500 council tax debt. She applied for a Debt Relief Order (DRO), and after 12 months, her debt was completely written off.
What If the Council Refuses to Help?
If your council refuses to negotiate, you can escalate the complaint:
Local Government Ombudsman (England) – Handles unfair council tax decisions.
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – Deals with council tax disputes in Wales.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman – Covers Scotland’s council tax cases.
Tip: Always keep records of emails, letters, and phone calls with the council. If they refuse to help, these documents can support your case when filing a complaint.
Managing a Council Tax Summons
A council tax summons doesn’t have to mean bailiffs knocking at your door. By acting quickly, negotiating with the council, and exploring available discounts, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your council tax debt.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay After a Council Tax Summons? Enforcement Actions, Bailiffs, and Wage Deductions
If you ignore a Council Tax Summons and do not arrange payment, your local council has the legal authority to enforce the debt through various means. This includes:
A Liability Order (court order allowing the council to recover the debt).
Deductions from your wages or benefits.
Enforcement agents (bailiffs) visiting your home.
Bankruptcy or property seizure (in extreme cases).
Prison (as a last resort).
This part of the article will cover each enforcement method in detail, including your rights, potential costs, and what you can do to stop enforcement action.
Liability Orders: What They Mean and What Happens Next
Once a Council Tax Summons is issued, the council will apply for a Liability Order in the Magistrates' Court if the debt is still unpaid. A Liability Order is a legal document confirming that you owe the council tax debt and allowing the council to take further enforcement action.
Key Facts About Liability Orders
The court will not assess your ability to pay—they only check whether the debt is legally due.
If granted, the council gains legal powers to collect the debt.
A Liability Order adds extra costs to your total debt.
You can still negotiate with the council to set up a payment plan even after a Liability Order is issued.
Liability Order Costs
Fee Type | Estimated Cost (£) |
Court Summons Fee | £60 - £100 |
Liability Order Fee | £20 - £50 |
Bailiff Charges (if used) | £75 - £310+ |
Additional Enforcement Costs | Varies based on action |
For example, if you owed £1,200 in council tax, and a Liability Order + Bailiff fees were added, you could end up owing £1,600 or more.
How to Challenge a Liability Order
You cannot challenge a Liability Order just because you cannot afford to pay. However, you can challenge it if:
The council made a mistake (e.g., incorrect amount, wrong person named).
You have already paid the amount due.
You were not liable (e.g., you had moved out before the tax period).
To challenge a Liability Order, you must attend the court hearing and provide evidence.
Enforcement Actions After a Liability Order
Once a Liability Order is granted, the council can use several methods to force payment. These include:
1. Wage Deductions (Attachment of Earnings Order)
If you are employed, the council can instruct your employer to deduct council tax from your salary before you receive it.
Monthly Income (£) | Percentage Deducted |
Under £300 | No deduction |
£300 - £550 | 3% |
£550 - £740 | 5% |
£740 - £900 | 7% |
£900 - £1,420 | 12% |
Over £1,420 | 17% |
For example, if you earn £1,500 per month, your employer would deduct £255 per month and send it to the council.
Key Points: Your employer cannot refuse the deduction.Your boss will know about your debt, which may be embarrassing.The deduction continues until the full debt is paid off.
2. Benefit Deductions
If you receive certain benefits, the council can take payments directly from them. This applies if you claim:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
The standard deduction rate is £3.85 per week, but councils can ask for more.
Example: Linda from Manchester owed £600 in council tax and was on Universal Credit. The council took £3.85 per week from her benefits. It took over 3 years to clear the debt, during which extra fees were added.
3. Bailiffs (Enforcement Agents)
If you do not pay voluntarily, the council can send bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) to recover the debt.
What Can Bailiffs Do?
Visit your home and demand payment.
Seize goods (TVs, furniture, vehicles) if payment isn’t made.
Add huge extra fees to your debt.
Bailiff Fees
Bailiff Action | Fee (£) |
Letter (Notice of Enforcement) | £75 |
Bailiff Visit | £235 (plus 7.5% of debt over £1,500) |
Seizure of Goods | £110 (plus 7.5% of debt over £1,500) |
For example, if you owed £1,500, bailiff fees could add £420+, increasing your debt to nearly £2,000.
4. Bankruptcy and Charging Orders
If you owe £5,000 or more, the council can apply to make you bankrupt or put a Charging Order on your home.
Bankruptcy for Council Tax Debt
If you are declared bankrupt, your assets (house, car, savings) may be seized and sold.
Your debts may be written off, but you may lose your home.
Charging Orders (For Homeowners)
If you own property, the council can place a legal charge on your home.
This means the debt must be paid when the house is sold.
Example: Mike from London had £6,000 in council tax debt. The council applied for a Charging Order. When he sold his house, the debt was automatically deducted from the sale price.
5. Prison for Council Tax Debt (Extreme Cases Only)
If you refuse to pay and the council cannot recover the debt through other methods, they can take you to Magistrates' Court for a ‘Committal Hearing’.
Prison Sentences for Non-Payment
The court can sentence you to up to 3 months in prison if they believe you deliberately avoided paying.
This usually happens if you have money but refuse to pay.
Example: In 2024, around 100 people in England and Wales were jailed for non-payment of council tax.
How to Stop Enforcement Action
If you are facing enforcement after a Liability Order, you must act quickly:
Contact the Council Immediately – Offer a payment plan before enforcement starts.
Apply for Breathing Space – This stops bailiffs for 60 days.
Seek Debt Advice – Organisations like StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice can help.
Challenge the Enforcement – If the debt is incorrect, you can appeal.
Tip: Never ignore council tax debt. Once a Liability Order is granted, the costs can spiral out of control.
How Different UK Councils Handle Council Tax Enforcement and Legal Ways to Reduce Your Council Tax
Not all councils in the UK handle council tax enforcement in the same way. While the law applies across the country, some councils are more aggressive in pursuing unpaid tax, while others offer more flexible repayment options.
In this section, we will cover:
How enforcement policies differ by region (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
Which councils are the most aggressive in sending bailiffs.
How to legally reduce your council tax through loopholes and exemptions.
How UK Councils Differ in Enforcing Council Tax Debts
England: The Most Aggressive Enforcement
Councils in England are the most likely to:
✅ Issue liability orders quickly (often after 2-3 missed payments).
✅ Use bailiffs heavily—nearly 2.2 million cases in 2024 involved enforcement agents.
✅ Take people to court—England has the highest number of imprisonments for council tax debt.
✅ Refuse to write off debt, even in cases of extreme hardship.
Most Aggressive Councils in England (2024 Data)These councils issued the most liability orders and bailiff instructions:Birmingham City Council – Over 40,000 liability orders issued in 2024.Manchester City Council – 38% increase in bailiff use in 2024.Leeds City Council – One of the highest wage deduction order rates in England.Croydon Council – Fast-tracks cases to court quicker than most other councils.
What this means for you:
If you live in these areas, you must act fast—these councils don’t hesitate to enforce debts.
Contact your council as soon as you receive a reminder notice, before it escalates.
Scotland: More Lenient But Still Enforced
Scotland has different rules compared to England:
No bailiffs—Scotland uses Sheriff Officers, who have similar powers but stricter regulations.
More protections for vulnerable people—Councils are required to consider financial hardship before enforcement.
More payment flexibility—Most Scottish councils allow longer repayment plans.
Case Example: Glasgow City Council offers a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), allowing taxpayers to spread council tax arrears over several years with no bailiff involvement.
Wales: Moderate Approach with Payment Support
Councils in Wales tend to:
Be less aggressive than England but stricter than Scotland.
Use bailiffs, but only after multiple failed attempts to reach the taxpayer.
Offer Council Tax Reduction (CTR) schemes to help low-income households.
Example: In Cardiff, if you are struggling, the council will offer a 3-month grace period before taking enforcement action.
Northern Ireland: Different System (No Council Tax)
Northern Ireland does not have council tax. Instead, it has a rates system, which is similar but calculated differently.
Debt collection is handled by Land and Property Services (LPS), not councils.
Bailiffs are rarely used—the government focuses on direct deductions from earnings instead.
Which UK Councils Are More Likely to Offer Help?
While some councils are aggressive, others are more open to negotiation and support.
Best UK Councils for Payment Support.
Council | Key Support Features |
Glasgow City Council | Longest repayment plans in the UK |
Sheffield City Council | Rarely uses bailiffs—prefers payment plans |
Cardiff Council | Offers grace period before enforcement |
Newcastle City Council | Good record of accepting hardship applications |
If you live in these areas, you may have more success negotiating a payment plan or exemption.
Legal Ways to Reduce Your Council Tax Bill
Many UK taxpayers overpay on council tax because they don’t realise there are legal ways to reduce their bill. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
1. Challenge Your Council Tax Band (Could Save £1,000s)
1 in 4 homes in the UK are in the wrong tax band.
If your home is in a higher band than it should be, you may be overpaying by hundreds of pounds per year.
How to Check If You’re in the Wrong Band
Find out your current council tax band – Search on the VOA website (Check Here).
Compare with neighbours – If similar houses on your street have a lower tax band, you may be able to challenge yours.
Apply for a reassessment – If successful, you could get a refund for previous overpayments.
Example: Emma from Bristol discovered her house was in Band D, while identical homes nearby were in Band C. She challenged the decision and won, saving £300 per year on council tax.
2. Claim All Discounts and Exemptions
Many taxpayers don’t realise they qualify for discounts. Make sure you check if you’re eligible for:
Single Person Discount (25% Off) – If you live alone.
Student Exemption (100% Off) – If all residents are full-time students.
Severe Mental Impairment Exemption (100% Off) – If a resident has a severe mental condition (e.g., dementia).
Carers’ Discount (Up to 50%) – If you care for someone for 35+ hours per week.
Disability Band Reduction – If your home has been modified for a disability.
Example: John from Liverpool was caring for his disabled father. After applying for the Carers’ Discount, he saved £600 per year.
3. Apply for Section 13A Hardship Relief (Full Council Tax Write-Off)
If you are in financial crisis, you can apply for a full or partial council tax write-off under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
How to Apply
Write to your local council explaining your financial situation.
Provide evidence (e.g., bank statements, medical records, redundancy notice).
Request ‘Section 13A Discretionary Relief’.
Example:Lisa from London lost her job and had no savings. She applied for Section 13A relief, and the council wrote off £1,200 of unpaid council tax.
4. Extend Your Payments Over 12 Months (Instead of 10)
By default, councils charge council tax over 10 months, meaning payments stop in February and March. However, you can request to spread payments over 12 months, reducing your monthly bill.
Example: Paul from Manchester was paying £150 per month over 10 months. By switching to a 12-month plan, his payments dropped to £125 per month, making budgeting easier.
Reducing Council Tax Debt
Many councils vary in how they enforce unpaid tax, but by understanding your rights and available reductions, you can:
✅ Reduce your bill legally.
✅ Avoid aggressive enforcement action.
✅ Prevent unnecessary court and bailiff fees.
Common Mistakes UK Taxpayers Make with Council Tax and Expert Tips to Handle Arrears the Right Way
Many UK taxpayers accidentally make council tax debt worse by making simple mistakes that could have been avoided. In this final part, we’ll explore:
✅ The most common errors people make when dealing with council tax summons and arrears.
✅ Expert strategies to avoid bailiffs, extra fees, and legal trouble.
✅ Practical steps to stay on top of council tax payments and avoid future issues.
Common Mistakes That Worsen Council Tax Debt
Many people end up paying more than they need to due to avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Ignoring Reminder Notices and Summons
If you ignore a council tax reminder, it quickly escalates into a summons and liability order.
Extra fees are automatically added, even if you could have arranged a simple repayment plan.
Some councils send bailiffs within weeks of a missed payment.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Always open letters from the council—don’t ignore them!
Contact the council as soon as you miss a payment to arrange a plan.
Ask for a 12-month payment plan instead of the standard 10 months to reduce costs.
Example: Mark from Nottingham ignored his final notice and ended up with a liability order + bailiff fees. His £1,200 debt turned into £1,600 because he didn’t act in time.
2. Letting Bailiffs Into Your Home
Many people don’t realise that bailiffs cannot force entry on their first visit for council tax debts.
Once you let them inside, they can return later and force entry to take goods.
Bailiff fees increase significantly if they seize property.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Never let a bailiff inside your home.
Keep doors locked and speak through the letterbox or a window.
If they leave a letter, contact your council instead of dealing with the bailiff directly.
Example: Sarah from Leeds let a bailiff inside because she thought she had to. He listed her TV and sofa as items to be taken if she didn’t pay. If she had refused entry, she could have negotiated a payment plan instead.
3. Not Checking If You Qualify for a Discount or Exemption
Millions of UK taxpayers overpay council tax because they don’t realise they qualify for discounts.
If you live alone, are on a low income, or have a disability, you could legally reduce your bill by 25-100%.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Check if you qualify for exemptions like Single Person Discount (25%), Student Exemption (100%), or Carers’ Discount (Up to 50%).
If your income is low, apply for Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
If you are struggling, ask about Section 13A Hardship Relief to get debt written off.
Example: Emma from Glasgow had been paying full council tax for three years, not realising she was entitled to Single Person Discount. When she applied, she got a refund of over £900.
4. Not Checking Your Council Tax Band
Around 400,000 UK homes are in the wrong council tax band and pay too much tax every year.
Many people never check because they assume their band is correct.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Check your band on the Valuation Office Agency website (Check Here).
Compare your band with neighbouring properties of the same size—if they pay less, you could challenge yours.
If successful, you could get a refund for previous overpayments.
Example: Tom from Bristol found out his Band D property should have been Band C. He challenged it and won, saving £300 per year on council tax.
5. Paying Bailiffs Instead of the Council
Some people panic when bailiffs contact them and pay the bailiff directly.
This often means extra fees are added, making the debt more expensive.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Always try to pay the council directly first.
If bailiffs are involved, ask the council if they can recall the debt and set up a payment plan.
If you must pay a bailiff, negotiate to pay the original debt before enforcement fees are added.
Example: Laura from Cardiff owed £900 in council tax. When bailiffs got involved, the debt jumped to £1,400. She contacted the council and arranged a direct payment plan, avoiding the extra bailiff fees.
Expert Tips for Staying on Top of Council Tax Payments
By following these expert strategies, you can stay in control of your council tax payments and avoid enforcement action.
1. Set Up a Direct Debit
Councils prefer direct debit payments, and it ensures you never miss a payment.
Some councils offer a small discount if you pay by direct debit.
Pro Tip: Set payments to go out on the same day as your payday to avoid running out of money.
2. Spread Payments Over 12 Months
By default, councils charge council tax over 10 months, making payments higher.
You can request a 12-month payment plan, which lowers your monthly bill.
Example: Instead of paying £150 per month for 10 months, you could pay £125 per month for 12 months.
3. Apply for Help if You Struggle to Pay
If you’re on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or a low income, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
If you’re in severe financial hardship, apply for Section 13A relief to get the debt reduced or written off.
4. Keep a Budget and Prioritise Council Tax
Council tax is a priority debt—unpaid council tax can lead to bailiffs, wage deductions, and even prison.
Make sure council tax is paid before credit cards or unsecured loans.
5. Get Debt Advice Before It’s Too Late
If you’re struggling, don’t wait until bailiffs show up. There are free debt advice services that can help:
✅ StepChange Debt Charity – Visit Here
✅ National Debtline – Visit Here
✅ Citizens Advice – Visit Here
Pro Tip: If bailiffs are threatening to visit, ask a debt charity about Breathing Space. This pauses enforcement action for 60 days, giving you time to sort out payments.
Take Control of Your Council Tax Now
Council tax debt can escalate quickly, but by acting early and knowing your rights, you can avoid unnecessary costs and legal action.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Never ignore council tax bills or summons—they get worse if you do.
✅ If you can’t pay, contact your council early—they may offer a payment plan.
✅ Check if you qualify for discounts or hardship relief—you might be overpaying.
✅ Avoid bailiffs by paying the council directly.
✅ Get free debt advice if you’re struggling—help is available.
By following these steps, you can stay on top of your council tax, reduce your payments legally, and avoid unnecessary enforcement action.
Summary of Key Points on Council Tax Summons
A Council Tax Summons is issued when you miss payments, leading to a Liability Order and potential enforcement action.
If unpaid, councils can recover the debt through wage deductions, benefit deductions, bailiffs, or, in extreme cases, imprisonment.
Bailiffs cannot force entry on their first visit for council tax debt, and you should never let them inside your home.
You can reduce your council tax bill legally by claiming discounts such as Single Person Discount (25%) or Council Tax Reduction (CTR) for low-income households.
Many homes are in the wrong council tax band, and challenging your band could save you hundreds of pounds per year.
Section 13A Hardship Relief allows councils to write off council tax debt for those in extreme financial distress.
Spreading payments over 12 months instead of 10 can lower your monthly council tax bill and make budgeting easier.
Ignoring council tax notices worsens the situation, adding extra fees and increasing the likelihood of court action.
Some councils are more aggressive in enforcement, while others offer more lenient repayment options—acting early can prevent escalation.
If struggling with council tax debt, contact your council immediately or seek free debt advice from StepChange, National Debtline, or Citizens Advice.
FAQs
Q1: Can you still stop a Council Tax Summons once it has been issued?
A: No, once a summons is issued, you must either pay the full amount or attend court. However, you can still try to arrange a payment plan with the council before the hearing to potentially avoid further legal action.
Q2: How long does a Council Tax Summons stay on your record?
A: A Council Tax Summons is not recorded on your credit file, but if enforcement action leads to bankruptcy or a County Court Judgment (CCJ), it may appear on your credit history.
Q3: Can a Council Tax Summons be sent to you by email instead of post?
A: No, councils are required to send summons notices by post to ensure legal validity, although they may also send an email as a courtesy.
Q4: What happens if you move house after receiving a Council Tax Summons?
A: Moving house does not cancel the debt. The council will continue to pursue the outstanding balance, and enforcement actions can still proceed.
Q5: Can you attend the court hearing for a Council Tax Summons, and what happens if you do?
A: Yes, you can attend, but the magistrate’s role is only to confirm that the debt is owed, not to assess affordability. Attending may allow you to negotiate payment terms with the council.
Q6: Does a Council Tax Summons affect your mortgage or ability to rent a property?
A: A summons itself does not affect your mortgage or rental applications, but if enforcement results in bankruptcy or a CCJ, it could impact your financial standing.
Q7: Can you appeal against a Liability Order granted after a Council Tax Summons?
A: No, once a Liability Order is granted, it cannot be appealed. However, if the debt is incorrect or you believe you were not liable, you can challenge it through the council.
Q8: Can councils withdraw a Council Tax Summons after it has been issued?
A: In rare cases, councils may withdraw a summons if there has been an administrative error or if a full payment arrangement is agreed upon before the hearing.
Q9: Can you be taken to court again for the same Council Tax debt?
A: No, once a Liability Order is granted, further court action is not necessary unless the council pursues additional enforcement measures like bankruptcy.\
Q10: What happens if you ignore a Council Tax Summons and do not attend court?
A: The court will proceed in your absence and likely grant a Liability Order, leading to further enforcement actions such as bailiffs, wage deductions, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.
Q11: Do councils issue Council Tax Summonses automatically after a missed payment?
A: No, councils typically send reminder notices first. A summons is issued only after repeated non-payment and failure to respond.
Q12: Can a Council Tax Summons be issued for a property you do not live in?
A: Yes, if you are the named liable person for the property (e.g., a landlord or second home owner), you can receive a summons even if you do not live there.
Q13: Can a joint tenant or co-owner be summoned separately for Council Tax arrears?
A: Yes, councils can issue summonses to all liable persons at the same time, and all parties are jointly responsible for paying the debt.
Q14: What should you do if you receive a Council Tax Summons for someone who no longer lives at your address?
A: Contact the council immediately and provide proof that the person has moved to have the summons reassigned or withdrawn.
Q15: Can you set up a payment plan after a Council Tax Summons has been issued?
A: Yes, most councils allow payment plans even after a summons, but you may still have to pay the court fees associated with the case.
Q16: Can you be sent to prison if you cannot afford to pay your Council Tax Summons?
A: Imprisonment is only used in extreme cases where the court finds that the taxpayer has the means to pay but refuses to do so.
Q17: What is the time limit for councils to issue a Council Tax Summons for unpaid arrears?
A: There is no strict time limit, but councils typically pursue arrears within six years of the missed payment.
Q18: Can you negotiate with the council to remove the court costs associated with a Council Tax Summons?
A: Some councils may agree to remove or reduce court fees if a payment plan is arranged promptly, but this is not guaranteed.
Q19: Can a council refuse to take payments after a Council Tax Summons is issued?
A: No, councils must accept payments, but they may still proceed with legal enforcement unless a formal payment arrangement is agreed upon.
Q20: Can councils freeze enforcement action if you are waiting for a benefit claim to be processed?
A: Some councils may grant a temporary hold on enforcement if you provide evidence of a pending benefit claim, but this is at their discretion.
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