Council Tax Debt Help & Advice
Get help advice with council tax debts and get mental well-being assistance with our IVA plans.
- Write off 75%* of unaffordable debt
- One lower monthly payment
- Stop creditor hassle and bailiffs
- Access mental well-being services
Your credit rating may be affected if you opt for a debt solution.
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Falling Behind On Your Council Tax?
We’ve helped people across the UK to get on top of their council tax arrears and take the pressure off. Our advisors will take the time to understand your situation and how best to guide you towards getting your life back on track and and resolve your council tax debt.
It’s easy to fall behind on council tax. A change in income or unexpected bills can quickly lead to arrears. But ignoring council tax debt won’t make it go away.
Missed payments can lead to council tax arrears being passed to enforcement agents (bailiffs), added court costs, and even the risk of imprisonment in extreme cases. Many people don’t realise how fast this process can move once the council takes legal action. If you need help with council tax debt, it’s important to act now. The sooner you get advice, the more options you’ll have to deal with arrears and avoid further action. Our advisers are here to help you understand your situation and take back control.
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What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Council Tax?
When council tax arrears are left unpaid, the council won’t just write them off, they will take steps to recover the money. The process is often quicker and more formal than many people realise, which is why it’s important to understand what can happen.
This typically starts with a reminder letter asking you to pay the missed amount. If this is ignored, the council will move to the next stage and issue a court summons. Next there is a hearing where they can apply for a liability order (a legal order giving them extra powers to collect the debt).
After they’ve obtained a liability order, they then have the authority to send enforcement officers or bailiffs to your home to arrange a deduction from your pay or benefits. It could also mean adding more expenses to your debt. If you’re found to have purposefully avoided payment, council tax court action may result in a prison sentence.
If you’re worried about any stage of this process or you’ve received letters or court summons, help is available. Getting advice early can often stop things from escalating further.
We Help With Most Debts - Not Just Council Tax!
*Mortgage debt can be included if you no longer own the property in question.
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- Catalogues
- Council Tax
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Reasons To Choose PennyPlan
- Stop all interest & charges
- Write off debt
- Access well-being services
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Could A Repayment Plan Help You Manage Council Tax Debt?
If you’re behind on your council tax payments, things can feel like they’re moving quickly, especially when enforcement action is threatened. But, there are ways to gain control before things get out of hand.
It could be possible to spread out the arrears over time by establishing a straightforward repayment plan with your local council. This is something that needs negotiating quickly if you’re to have the best chance at reaching this outcome.
An IVA could be able to assist if your council tax debt is a part of a larger issue involving other unpaid debts. This combines debts into a single, manageable payment and legally shields you from enforcement.
A DRO may be an option for low-income individuals with few assets to pay off qualifying debts.
Remember, everyone’s situation is different, but support is available. With the right advice, it’s possible to stop enforcement action and regain control.
What a Council Tax Debt Repayment Plan Could Look Like
Understanding options available to overcome council tax debt is the first step. The aim is simple – to help you find a manageable way to deal with your council tax debt and ease the financial pressure. There are different ways this could be done, depending on your circumstances.
One of our specialist advisers will take the time to talk through your options and help you work out the best way forward.
IVA
Individual Voluntary Arrangement
An IVA consolidates your debts into one affordable plan, with some council tax debt potentially written off.
DMP
Debt Management Plan
A repayment plan that combines debts into one monthly payment. Interest can be reduced or frozen, helping ease financial pressure
DRO
Debt Relief Order
A debt reduction programme for those on low income. Certain debts can be cleared, with no ongoing payments required during the DRO.
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Get Help With Your Council Tax Debt Today
We’ve helped people across the UK take control of their debts and get their lives back on track. Our trained advisers will assess your individual situation and guide you towards the best way to manage and resolve your finances.
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Get Council Tax Debt Help Today & Speak To An Advisor
Dealing with council tax debt can feel isolating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our experienced team provides free and impartial council tax debt advice, listening carefully to your circumstances. We will help you to consider the best way to manage your council tax debt.
- One lower monthly payment
- Write off 75%* of unaffordable debt
- Freeze interest & charges
- Stop legal action including bailiffs
- Receive FREE well-being sessions
Can You Include Council Tax Arrears In An IVA Or Debt Solution?
Council tax debt can be included in an IVA or a debt relief order (DRO). Although it’s worth noting that some local councils may be less willing to reduce or write off your council tax arrears in comparison to other creditors. If you choose to discuss your council tax debt with an advisor, they can guide you further on council tax and debt solutions to help you get back on track.
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Speak to our friendly debt specialists, who will explain all the options available to you.
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Now you have all the options available, you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.
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What Our Customers Say About Us
Maria
3 days ago
PennyPlan were extremely professional and genuinely caring, I am very happy that I made the call and now have a plan in place and peace of mind. From the first contact to the signing of the agreement it was straight forward and simple plus the staff really are exceptional in the way they listen and understand’ I couldn’t have asked for a better company.
Emily
4 days ago
For over a decade I have kept my money worries to my self away from friends and family one phone call with Leah and I had laid it all bare without a second thought nothing shocked her and nothing wasn’t sortable I’m forever grateful I stumbled across this company and no longer have to worry about money on my own. Highly recommend!!
Daniel
4 days ago
PennyPlan offered insightful, professional and empathetic support throughout my insolvency. Declan in particular was friendly, personable and knowledgeable, and a massive help throughout the process. They offer a no pressure service and allow you to make the best decision for yourself. I highly recommend these guys for anyone struggling with debt.
Mark
1 week ago
I was hesitant in applying for an IVA, But my mind was put at ease on the first call. The whole process was explained to me with complete care and understanding and I didn’t feel judged at all. Since being accepted for the IVA my mental health has improved so much and I now don’t worry about how I am going to put food on the table each week.
Council Tax Debt FAQ's
In some instances, yes, but not automatically. Councils rarely agree to write off council tax debt on their own. However, if you were to enter a formal debt agreement like an IVA or a DRO, there is potential for any included council tax arrears to be written off. Make sure you speak to an advisor who will explain all your options.
If you’ve missed council tax payments, it could be possible to arrange a repayment plan directly with your council. But, you must do this quickly to give you the best chance.
When council tax arrears are part of a larger debt, other solutions may help, like an IVA or DRO can protect you from further action and help you deal with multiple debts in a manageable way.
Yes. If your council tax arrears remain unpaid and a liability order is issued by the court, the council can send bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) to recover the debt. Bailiff action adds extra fees to what you owe, which is why it’s important to get help early and try to prevent this stage being reached.
Typically, no. Bailiffs cannot force entry into your home for council tax debt unless they have previously been inside and signed a Controlled Goods Agreement. However, they can take enforcement action and visit your property, which can be very stressful. Getting advice early can help you avoid this situation.
It is rare, but possible. If you ignore council tax arrears and enforcement action is unsuccessful, the council can take you back to court. If the court finds that you have wilfully refused to pay when able to, it can impose a prison sentence of up to three months. However, most councils aim to recover payment rather than use this option — so acting early can prevent it from reaching this stage.
Even if you can’t afford to pay your council tax bill, don’t ignore it. Contact your council straight away. They might agree to a repayment plan or you may be entitled to council tax reduction or other support. If your situation is more complex, or you are juggling other debts as well, it’s a good idea to seek advice to explore all your options.
They can, but only if the debt has reached enforcement stage and they have a valid liability order from the court. Bailiffs may take non-essential items to recover the value of the debt. This is why it’s always better to seek advice and stop the process early if you can. There are still ways to resolve council tax debt before it reaches this point.
Yes. If you don’t pay your council tax, the council can apply for an attachment of earnings order, which allows them to take money directly from your wages. They can also apply for an attachment of benefits in order to take money from certain benefits. If this happens, it can put further strain on your finances — so it’s important to get help early.
Yes. Most councils are open to setting up a payment plan if you contact them early enough. The sooner you ask, the more flexible they are likely to be. However, if the debt has already progressed to enforcement or court, you may need advice on dealing with the situation and stopping further action.
