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Council tax 2026 cant pay - English civic building exterior

Council Tax Rising Again in 2026/27: What Happens If You Can’t Pay?

Millions of households across England and Wales are facing another council tax increase in April 2026. Councils including Warrington (up 7.48%), Calderdale (up 4.99%), and Kent (up 3.99%) have already confirmed rises for the 2026/27 financial year, and they are far from alone. If you can’t pay council tax this year, you are not alone. Understanding what happens next and how to protect yourself is crucial.

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Council Tax?

When you can’t pay council tax, your council will follow an escalating enforcement process. Here is how it typically works:

  1. Reminder notice: you will receive a letter asking you to pay within 7 days.
  2. Final notice: if you miss another payment, the council may demand the full year’s balance in one go.
  3. Summons to magistrates’ court: the council applies for a liability order. Court costs (typically \u00a370 to \u00a3100) are added to your debt.
  4. Liability order granted: this gives the council legal powers to recover the debt.
  5. Enforcement action: the council can instruct council tax bailiffs, deduct from your wages via an attachment of earnings, or take money directly from benefits.

Once a liability order is granted, bailiff action can follow within weeks. In some cases, councils have pursued debts from many years ago. A BBC report highlighted how Slough Borough Council sent bailiffs to collect council tax from 2009, more than 15 years later. If you are struggling with older debts, read our guide on council tax arrears for the latest updates.

Your Rights When Bailiffs Come to Your Door

If bailiffs (officially called enforcement agents) are instructed to collect your council tax debt, you have legal protections under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013:

  • Bailiffs cannot force entry on their first visit for council tax debt. They must attempt peaceful entry only.
  • They must provide identification and documentation showing the debt they are collecting.
  • Certain goods are protected: essential household items, tools of your trade (up to \u00a31,350 in value), and items belonging to other people in your home cannot be taken.
  • Vulnerable people have extra protection: if you have a disability, mental health condition, are pregnant, or have young children, bailiffs should follow the vulnerability guidelines and may need to refer the case back to the council.
  • Bailiff fees are regulated: the compliance stage costs \u00a375, the enforcement stage \u00a3235 (plus 7.5% on debts over \u00a31,500), and the sale stage \u00a3110 (plus 7.5% on debts over \u00a31,500). Bailiffs cannot charge more than these set amounts.

What to Do If You Can’t Pay Council Tax in 2026

Do not ignore it. The earlier you act when you can’t pay council tax, the more options you have:

1. Contact your council directly

Most councils would rather arrange a payment plan than send in bailiffs. Call them and explain your situation. Many have dedicated hardship teams who can help if you can’t pay council tax in full.

2. Check if you are eligible for Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction (formerly Council Tax Benefit) can reduce your bill significantly if you are on a low income. Each council in England runs its own scheme, so eligibility varies. In Wales, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme is national. If you have a disability, you may also qualify for an additional council tax exemption or discount.

3. Apply for a discount or exemption

You may qualify for:

  • Single person discount (25% off) if you are the only adult in your home
  • Disability reduction if you or someone in your household has a disability that requires extra space or facilities
  • Student exemption if everyone in the property is a full-time student
  • Severe mental impairment exemption if a resident has a certificate from a GP

4. Get free debt advice

Organisations like Citizens Advice, StepChange, and the National Debtline offer free, confidential help. They can negotiate with your council on your behalf and help you manage your overall finances.

5. Speak to Council Tax Advisors

At Council Tax Advisors, we specialise in helping people who can’t pay council tax. Whether you have already received a summons, had bailiffs at your door, or simply cannot afford this year’s bill, we can help you understand your options and take the right steps.

Do Not Wait Until the Bailiffs Knock

Council tax debt does not go away on its own, and as the Slough case shows, councils can and do pursue debts years, even decades, later. The 2026/27 increases mean more households than ever will find themselves in a position where they can’t pay council tax.

If you are worried about paying your council tax this year, get in touch with us today. The sooner you act, the more we can do to help.

This article applies to England and Wales only. Council tax rules in Scotland are different.

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