Council Tax is a priority debt you must pay, as the consequences of falling behind can be worse than with other debts. If you’re worried about paying it, it’s important to have a plan.
What help is available?
Every council has a scheme to help you manage your payments so contact your local council as soon as possible. If you wait until you’ve missed payments, it might limit the help they can offer you.
In England and Wales, find your local council on the GOV.UK websiteOpens in a new window
In Scotland, find your local council on the mygov.scot websiteOpens in a new window
In Northern Ireland, find your local council on the nidirect websiteOpens in a new window
When you contact them, explain your situation and see if it’s possible to work out a new payment plan before you fall behind. For example, you might have had an income setback because of coronavirus.
Here are some examples of support that might be offered:
- Bill reductions if you’re on benefits – if your income drops or you find yourself out of work you can apply for Council Tax reduction discounts. These might be up to 100% off your Council Tax if you’re on certain benefits or a low income, but this depends on your local council. Everyone can apply, but not everyone is entitled. There are also exemptions for those with serious mental health conditions, but the eligibility might differ depending on the local authority that you live in.
- Extra help – because of coronavirus, this year the government has funded an extra £150 discount for people who qualify for Council Tax reductions. This will automatically apply to new claims, while existing claimants should have already received a new Council Tax bill to reflect this.
For more information on applying for a Council Tax reduction see the Citizens Advice website
Watch out for Council Tax scams
There have been reports of fraudsters contacting people to tell them that they’re due a Council Tax reduction or refund. The scammer will say that they need an initial payment from you to release the refund.
Councils will never call or email you to ask for your bank details or ask you for money so they can send you a Council Tax overpayment.
Find out more about the support you can get in our guide Make sure you’re getting the right entitlements
Make sure you’ve claimed everything you’re entitled to
If you’ve had an income shock, you could be entitled to government support. If you’re struggling financially, it’s important that you claim any extra help you can.
Take a few minutes to check which benefits you can claim and how much you could get a month with our Benefits Calculator
What happens if my financial situation gets worse?
As with many others, even if your finances are on track now, you could be affected over the coming months because of coronavirus. This might mean an uncertain future, especially if your income is affected – perhaps being on furlough, or you’re self-employed and have a fluctuating income.
You might need to review your finances so that you can cover your repayments. It’s useful to make a budget. If you have a little more going out than coming in, you may be able to rework how you’re spending your money.
Budget Planner
To help you manage your money, use our free and easy-to-use Budget Planner
Next steps if you have missed a payment
If you’ve already missed Council Tax payment, this means you’re in ‘arrears’.
Contact your council as soon as possible to let them know that your income has changed, and that you’re struggling to cover your bills.
For a helpful guide on dealing with Council Tax arrears, see the Citizens Advice website
As well as coming to an arrangement on the money you owe them, you should also talk about future bills – especially if you think you may struggle to pay them.
Make a budget, work out what money you have left after it, and ask the council for help.
Find out more on the StepChange website about how debts are collected when you are in arrears
For more information about how to make a plan to pay your debts, see the Citizens Advice website
When to get debt advice
If you’ve missed a payment, think you’re going to miss a payment or are juggling other debts and feel you need debt advice it’s important you pay them off in the right order as some are more urgent and some lenders have more power than others.
To help you work out which ones to pay off first, see our guide on How to prioritise your debts
Need someone to talk to about your finances?
If you’ve missed more than one bill payment, you can talk to a specialist today, online or by phone, who will be able to help you start sorting out your financial problems.
Find free, confidential advice now using our Debt advice locator tool
Extra support if you’re struggling financially and with your mental wellbeing
Having mental health issues might mean that you struggle to make the best money-based decisions for you, as well as act on them.
Find practical tips on how to manage financially and where to get free specialist help in our Money problems and mental wellbeing guide
Remember, if you’re struggling financially and with your mental wellbeing, it’s worth getting in contact with your bank, building society, lender or whoever you owe money to, to discuss your options.
However, picking up the phone and talking about your problems is often easier said than done when you’re struggling with your mental health.
To get practical tips on how you can talk to those you owe money to, check out our guide Having difficult conversations about money
Most places that you owe money to have policies about supporting you if you’re vulnerable. But they can’t help you unless you ask.
For some general tips on how you can manage your mental health check out Rethink’s guide It covers everything from setting a budget to getting help if you, or someone you care about, is having a mental health crisis.
