If you don't pay your council tax or business rates by the deadline, several steps will follow that can escalate your situation and incur additional costs. Here's a summary of what happens:
| Stage | Action | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder Notice | If an instalment isn't paid on time, you'll get a reminder notice. Paying within 14 days avoids further action. | - |
| Final Notice | If you miss the same payment again, a final notice will be sent requiring full payment within 7 days. | - |
| Court Summons | If no payment is made after the reminders or final notice, a court summons will be issued. | £65 (added to the bill) |
| Liability Order | At the court, a liability order may be issued, which allows more aggressive collection actions. | £35 (added to the bill) |
| Further Actions | Potential actions include using enforcement agents (bailiffs), taking earnings, or possibly jail time. | Costs will increase depending on the action taken. |
If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount after receiving a summons, it's essential to contact the council to discuss possible arrangements or to set up a direct debit. For further details, you can explore your options or set up a direct debit online.