Help to pay your council tax

We understand that there could be times when you struggle to make your council tax payments. 

Paying council tax is as important as rent, mortgage and fuel bills. We may take legal action if you do not pay your council tax.

 

Set up a Direct Debit 

To help spread out the council tax payments, you canset up Direct Debit. 

This should help make the payments more manageable and ensure that you do not miss a payment. 

 

Reduce your monthly payments 

Your council tax is split into 10 monthly payments. But this can be paid over 12 months to help reduce your monthly payments.   

If you choose this option later in the year, your payments will be extended only until March. 

Apply to pay over 12 months  

 

Discounts and exemptions  

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to pay less or no council tax.  

Check if you qualify for a discount or exemption

 

Help if you’re on a low income or benefits 

If you’re on a low income or get benefits, you can apply for a council tax reduction. 

Council tax reduction is sometimes called council tax support.   

If you already receive council tax reduction, you could be eligible for discretionary Hardship Payments. 

 

Organisations that can help  

If you are worried about debt, there are organisations you can speak to for free, confidential advice:  

 

Tell us 

It’s important that you contact us as soon as possible if you’ve difficulty making payments. 

We’ll try to help if we can. Please do not ignore the notices we send you, as it will only make matters worse. 

 

If you do not pay your council tax 

If you do not pay your council tax, we’ll take action to get the money that is owed.  

We’ll start by sending you reminders and a final notice.  

We’ll then move on to legal proceedings, which will incur extra costs. You can avoid this by getting in touch as soon as you start to have difficulty paying.   

Find out what happens if you do not pay your council tax