|
Council Tax
Arrears Guide
Council tax bills are normally paid over 10 monthly
installments. There are ways of making it easier on yourself if
you find this is too difficult to commit to.
See if it is possible to get a deduction and file any claims
you may have. Contact your local Council to make an arrangement
and pay as much as you can afford to each month. It will help
you if you use your Personal Budget Sheet to calculate what you
can afford. Another good way to ensure deductions will always
be made, is to ask the Council to deduct your monthly repayment
from your Income Support or Income based Job Seekers
Allowance.
On which grounds can a Bill be reduced?
Council Tax
Benefit:
Low-income earners and those on an Income Support/Job Seekers
Allowance may apply for the Council Tax Benefit. Your local
council office can supply you a claim form.
Single Persons
Discount:
Households comprised of only one adult may qualify for a Single
Persons Discount. Your local council office can supply you a
claim form.
Severely Mentally
Impaired:
People who have been diagnosed as severely mentally impaired by
their GP or a hospital doctor, and who are in receipt of one of
the following benefits, may be exempt for payment.
Incapacity Benefit
Severe Disablement Allowance or Invalidity Pension
Attendance Allowance
Higher or Middle Rate of the care component of Disability
Living Allowance
Income Support where the Applicable amount includes a
disability premium
This list does not claim to be exhaustive, as there are other
benefits that may be taken into account. Your tax office can
provide you with an application form for this scheme.
Failure to pay
Should you fail to stick to a repayment arrangement,
you may receive a Liability Order from the Magistrates Court.
The Council Tax Section will ask the Magistrates Court to
institute a Liability Order stating that you owe them tax.
Failure to make regular payments on an Order could cause the
Council to institute certain measures to collect the money owed
to them. These may include monthly deductions from your wages
or benefit money or they could have the Bailiff possess your
goods. Failing that, they may ask the Magistrates Court to send
you to prison.
Contact an Advisor for
advice
If things have progressed to this
point, you may want to consider seeking advice. Think carefully
if the Council Tax Bailiff wants you to sign anything when he
comes to your property. Ask the Bailiff to contact your advisor
if you are dealing with a Money Advice
Agency.
Back
to Top
| 
