Council Tax Debt-Help

Council Tax Debt Help & Bailiff Advice | Your Rights & Next Steps

Council Tax Debt Help & Bailiff Advice

Behind on council tax or worried about council tax bailiffs? We’ll help you understand your rights, speak to your council or enforcement agent, and work out a realistic payment plan you can afford.

  • What to do if council tax bailiffs contact or visit you
  • We can speak to your council or enforcement company on your behalf
  • Options to stop visits, agree payments or look at wider debt solutions
Get Council Tax Help Now

Prefer to read first? See how council tax enforcement works or view the 3 simple steps ↓

Advisor giving council tax debt advice over the phone
Person receiving guidance about council tax arrears

Information is general guidance and not legal advice. We’ll explain your rights around council tax liability orders, enforcement visits and vulnerability, and help you consider suitable ways to deal with arrears. We are not affiliated with any local council.
Next: See how council tax enforcement works or check if you qualify for help.

  • Write off unaffordable debt
  • Lower your monthly repayments
  • Stop interest & charges soaring
Money Helper

To find out more about managing your money and getting free advice, visit Money Helper, an independent service set up to help people manage their money – or see if you qualify for help with council tax arrears.

Council Tax help & related debts we handle

Behind on Council Tax or dealing with enforcement? We can speak to the council, look at stopping bailiff action, and arrange affordable repayments so you can get back in control.

Dealing with one of these debts? See the 3 steps to take or check if you qualify for help.

Council Tax Arrears
Bailiff & Enforcement Fees
Liability Orders
Payment Arrangements
Benefit Overpayments
Utility Bills
Stop Bailiff – See if you qualify

Complete the questions below and see if you qualify for Council Tax help.

Safe, secure, confidential

Prefer to read about Council Tax first? See how our Council Tax help works or browse the Council Tax FAQs.

Great news 🎉 it looks like we can help!

We just need a few more details to get your results.

Step 1 of 5

What is your total debt amount?

Council Tax arrears can be sorted. We’ll check the stage your case is at, stop unnecessary bailiff action where possible, and set out a realistic plan you can afford. Free, confidential help, no pressure, just straight answers. You can also review the 3 simple steps or read common Council Tax questions.

How we help with
Council Tax

Behind on Council Tax or worried about enforcement? We can contact your council, look at stopping bailiff action where possible, and set up an affordable plan that fits your budget. Get clear, expert guidance on repayments, reductions and your rights.

Need next steps? See the 3 steps or check if you qualify for help.

Helping hand illustration

Practical steps to get back on track

We review your situation, check for discounts or exemptions, and agree a realistic repayment arrangement with your council. Where appropriate, we’ll help you manage or pause enforcement, deal with liability orders, and take the stress out of speaking to bailiffs. One conversation, a clear plan, and support at every step.

You can also see the enforcement types we cover or browse the common Council Tax FAQs.

Behind on Council Tax payments?
Had a Council Tax summons or liability order?
Council Tax bailiffs or enforcement letters?

Get Council Tax help today

Falling behind on Council Tax or facing enforcement? We explain where you stand with the council and any bailiffs involved. Whether you’ve had reminders, a final notice or a liability order, we can speak to the council or enforcement company, look at stopping visits where possible, and agree an affordable repayment plan that fits your budget. We’ll also check for discounts, reductions and support you might be missing.
Prefer to read first? See how our Council Tax help works ↓

Get Council Tax help

Struggling with Council Tax arrears or bailiff letters? We review your council bills, summons or liability order, explain what enforcement agents can and can’t do, and help you set up a realistic plan. We’ll look at discounts, exemptions and support schemes, and where appropriate ask the council or bailiffs for a pause while we agree a way forward that you can afford.

Get Council Tax help

Prefer to read more first? See how our Council Tax help works ↓

8 Ways Council Tax Help Could Benefit You

Practical support to deal with Council Tax arrears, bailiff letters and court action. We work with you and your council (and any enforcement agents) so you have a clear, affordable way to get back on track.

1
Agree an affordable Council Tax repayment plan based on your real budget
2
Ask the council or enforcement agents to pause visits while a solution is put in place
3
Explain what a summons or liability order actually means and what happens next
4
Check if you qualify for Council Tax Reduction, discounts or exemptions you’re not using
5
Deal with Council Tax bailiffs for you, so you’re not facing calls and visits alone
6
Reduce extra costs where possible by acting early before more fees are added
7
Build a simple, step-by-step plan you can follow without guessing or worrying what to do
8
Ongoing support from specialist advisers who understand Council Tax rules and enforcement

Ready to see your options? See the 3 simple steps or check if you qualify for Council Tax help.

Council Tax Help in 3 Simple Steps

If you’re behind on Council Tax or worried about enforcement, we’ll help you understand where you stand with the council and any bailiffs involved, and agree a realistic way forward.

Already know your situation? Go straight to the qualifying questions.

Step 1
Tell us about your Council Tax

Answer a few quick questions about your bills, reminders, summons or liability order, plus any bailiff or enforcement letters you’ve had. This gives us the basics we need to look at your options.

Start here
Step 2
Speak to a Council Tax specialist

We explain what the council and any enforcement agents can and can’t do, check for discounts or reductions, and—if you’re happy—talk to the council or bailiffs on your behalf.

Talk to us
Step 3
Put an affordable plan in place

Together we agree clear next steps—such as an affordable repayment plan, asking for short pauses where appropriate, and making sure you’re getting all the support and reductions you’re entitled to.

Get my Council Tax plan

Council Tax

Frequently Asked Questions
Need next steps? See the 3 simple steps ↓ or check if you qualify for Council Tax help.

1 I’ve missed a Council Tax payment — what happens next?
You’ll usually get a reminder. If you don’t catch up, the council can ask for the full year’s balance and may apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. Contact us early — we can help you speak to the council and look at affordable repayment options.
2 What is a liability order and should I worry?
A liability order gives the council legal powers to recover unpaid Council Tax (e.g. using enforcement agents, deductions from benefits or earnings). It’s common — and you still have options. We’ll explain your rights and help you agree a realistic plan with the council.
3 Can bailiffs (enforcement agents) visit me for Council Tax arrears?
Yes, after a liability order the council can instruct enforcement agents. We can help you talk to the council and, where possible, pause or prevent enforcement by setting up an affordable arrangement. If agents contact you, speak to us before letting them in.
4 Can I set up a payment plan with my council?
In most cases, yes. We’ll help you propose a payment arrangement that fits your budget. Acting early reduces extra costs and stress and can avoid escalation to enforcement.
5 Are there discounts or reductions I might qualify for?
Potential help includes Council Tax Reduction (CTR), Single Person Discount, student exemptions, severe mental impairment exemption, and other local discounts. We’ll check eligibility and guide you through applying.
6 I’m vulnerable or have health issues — does that change anything?
Councils and enforcement agents should take vulnerability into account. This can influence how recovery happens. Tell us about your circumstances — we’ll raise it appropriately and seek a sensitive, fair solution.
7 Can Council Tax arrears be included in an IVA or other debt solutions?
Yes, often. Council tax arrears can usually be included in an IVA or managed through other solutions depending on your situation.
8 Will recovery action stop once I’m on a plan?
If we agree a plan with your council, enforcement can often be paused or withdrawn while you maintain payments. If a more formal solution is needed, we’ll make an initial assessment to see what your options are.
9 What fees might I face if it goes to enforcement?
Enforcement agents can add fees at different stages (compliance, enforcement visit, sale). Acting early can help limit extra costs. We’ll work to resolve things with your council before it escalates.
10 How quickly can you help me get on track?
Usually straight away. We’ll review your situation, check any reductions you could claim, and contact your council to propose an affordable arrangement. You’ll get a clear plan and ongoing support.