Council tax FAQs

The council can apply to the magistrates' court for a liability order. You will be sent a summons telling you when the court will consider the application and the amount the council are seeking to recover. This will include the outstanding amount of the council tax and the cost to the council of making the application. You have the right to attend the court and offer evidence as to why the order should not be made.

Other options include bankruptcy proceedings, and for debts of £1000 or more, we may apply to a county court for a charging order. This means that when your property is sold the debt will be paid directly to the council.

If you decide not to attend court, you should still contact us. We will try to come to a reasonable arrangement with you for payment. If you make an arrangement and keep to it, you will avoid any further recovery costs.