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Family at kitchen table with council tax bill and bailiff letter

Dealing With Council Tax Bailiffs in 2026

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in General News.

Updated for 2026

Dealing With Council Tax Bailiffs in 2026

Council tax bailiffs can be a frightening prospect for anyone struggling with unpaid bills. But understanding your rights and knowing what to expect puts you in a much stronger position. At Council Tax Advisors, we help individuals and families across England and Wales deal with bailiff action every day.

What Are Council Tax Bailiffs?

Council tax bailiffs, officially known as enforcement agents, are authorised by your local council to collect unpaid council tax debts. They are regulated by law and must follow strict rules about when they can visit, what they can do, and how they must behave.

If your council tax debt has been passed to bailiffs, it means a liability order has already been obtained against you in the magistrates’ court. At this stage, enforcement fees will start being added to your balance.

Key Issues to Watch in 2026

Digital communication is increasingly common, with bailiffs sending notices by email and text. Make sure you monitor these channels so you do not miss important deadlines.

Legislation continues to evolve, with updated codes of practice strengthening protections for vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, mental health conditions or caring responsibilities. If you fall into a vulnerable category, bailiffs are required to take extra care and may need to refer your case back to the council.

There is also a growing focus on transparent fee structures. You have the right to see a full breakdown of every charge applied to your account. If fees seem excessive or incorrect, challenge them.

Your Rights When Bailiffs Visit

Bailiffs cannot force entry to your home for council tax debt unless they have a specific court order (which is very rare). They must visit at reasonable hours, between 6am and 9pm, and they must show you identification and written authorisation.

You are not required to open the door or speak to them. If you do engage, remain calm and ask for everything in writing. Do not sign any documents you do not fully understand.

How to Stop Bailiff Action

The best way to stop bailiff visits is to act quickly. Contact your council directly and offer a repayment arrangement before the situation escalates. If enforcement action is already underway, our advisors can step in on your behalf.

We can negotiate a hold on enforcement action for up to 28 days, giving you breathing room to arrange an affordable repayment plan. We can also challenge any incorrect fees and ensure your rights are being respected throughout the process.

Get Expert Help With Council Tax Bailiffs

Do not face council tax bailiffs alone. Our experienced team provides free advice and mediation services to help you resolve your debt, stop enforcement action and protect your household. If you are also dealing with other debts, Help with Debt offers additional support and resources.

Council tax bill with rising costs arrow against UK houses

Council Tax Increase 2026: What You Need to Know

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in General News, Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Council Tax Increase 2026: What You Need to Know

Council tax bills are rising again in 2026, with the average Band D household now paying significantly more than just a few years ago. If you are already struggling with council tax payments, these increases could push you further behind. Here is what you need to know about the latest rises and what you can do about it.

How Much Is Council Tax Going Up in 2026?

For the 2026/27 financial year, most councils in England have opted for the maximum permitted increase of just under five per cent, including the social care precept. The average Band D bill now sits at around £2,280 per year, a rise of roughly £110 compared to last year.

Since the 2020/21 period, average annual bills have climbed by more than 25 per cent. For many households, wages simply have not kept pace with these increases, leading to a growing number of people falling into council tax arrears.

Why Do Councils Keep Raising Bills?

Local authorities are under enormous financial pressure. Years of cuts to central government funding have forced councils to rely more heavily on council tax income to pay for essential services like social care, waste collection, policing and fire services.

Some councils in severe financial difficulty have been granted permission to raise bills above the usual cap without holding a local referendum. While this helps plug funding gaps, it places an even greater burden on residents who are already stretched.

Understanding Your Council Tax Band

Properties in England are placed into one of eight bands (A to H) based on their estimated value in April 1991. Wales uses nine bands (A to I) based on a 2003 revaluation.

Many households are paying more than they should because their property is in the wrong band. You can check your banding for free on the GOV.UK council tax band checker. If your band is incorrect, you could be entitled to a refund and a lower bill going forward.

Are You Entitled to a Discount or Exemption?

Thousands of people miss out on council tax reductions simply because they do not know they qualify. You may be eligible for a discount if you live alone, are a full-time student, receive certain benefits or act as a carer.

If your financial circumstances have changed recently, it is worth contacting your local council to check whether your bill can be reduced. Even a small reduction can make a real difference when money is tight.

What Happens If You Fall Behind?

Council tax is classed as a priority debt, which means councils can take enforcement action quickly if you miss payments. This can include court summons, liability orders and bailiff visits, all of which add extra fees to what you owe.

If you are already behind on your council tax or worried about keeping up with the new rates, do not wait for things to escalate. Getting advice early gives you far more options for resolving the situation.

Need Help With Your Council Tax?

Our team provides free advice and mediation for people across England and Wales who are struggling with council tax debt. We can negotiate with your council and enforcement agents on your behalf to find a manageable way forward.

Desk with council tax bills calculator and pen for managing arrears

Council Tax Arrears: What You Need to Know in 2026

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in General News.

Updated for 2026

Council Tax Arrears: What You Need to Know in 2026

Falling behind on council tax is more common than most people realise. With bills rising again in 2026 and household budgets under pressure from all directions, thousands of people across England and Wales are slipping into arrears. If you are one of them, here is what you need to know and what you can do about it.

Council Tax Bills Are Rising Again

From April 2026, council tax bills have increased across nearly every local authority in England and Wales, with most areas implementing the maximum permitted rise. The average Band D household is now paying over £2,280 per year.

These increases come on top of rising broadband, mobile, water and energy costs. For many families, council tax is just one of several bills competing for a shrinking pot of money.

What Happens When You Fall Behind

Council tax is a priority debt. That means your council can take enforcement action more quickly than most other creditors. If you miss payments, you could lose your right to pay in instalments and be asked to pay the full annual amount immediately.

From there, the council can apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order, which opens the door to bailiff visits, attachment of earnings, or even deductions from your benefits. Each stage adds fees and makes the debt harder to clear.

Bailiff Action Is Increasing

Councils are outsourcing more debt collection to private enforcement agents than ever before. If your arrears have been passed to bailiffs, you will face additional fees on top of what you already owe. A compliance stage fee of £75 is added as soon as the case is referred, rising to £235 if a bailiff visits your property.

Many people do not realise a liability order has been made against them until enforcement officers arrive at their door. If you have received any letters about unpaid council tax, do not ignore them.

You Might Be Paying Too Much

It is worth checking whether your property is in the correct council tax band. Thousands of homes across the country are banded incorrectly based on outdated 1991 valuations. If your band is wrong, you could be entitled to a refund and a lower bill.

You should also check whether you qualify for any discounts or exemptions. Single-person households, full-time students, carers and people on low incomes may all be eligible for reductions. Many people miss out simply because they have not applied.

Council Tax Debt Does Not Disappear

Unlike some other debts, council tax arrears do not go away with time. Councils can pursue unpaid amounts for up to six years, and if court action has already been taken, even longer. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse.

The sooner you seek advice, the more options you have. Early intervention can prevent bailiff visits, reduce fees and help you reach a repayment arrangement you can actually afford.

Take Control of Your Council Tax Arrears

You do not have to face council tax debt alone. Our team provides free, confidential advice and mediation for people across England and Wales. We can negotiate with your council and enforcement agents on your behalf to find a solution that works for your budget.

Council tax increase 2025/26 UK - English town hall building

Council Tax Increase 2025/26: What English Households Need to Know

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in General News, Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Council Tax Increase 2025/26: What English Households Need to Know

The council tax increase for the 2025/26 financial year has pushed average bills to record levels across almost every type of local authority in England. If you have been wondering why your bill has gone up again, here is a straightforward breakdown of what changed, what it means for you, and where the money goes.

How Much Has Council Tax Gone Up?

The average Band D council tax increase set by local authorities in England is now £2,280. That is an increase of £109, or 5.0%, on the previous year’s figure of £2,171. This includes all precepts: the main council tax charge, the adult social care precept, police and fire precepts, and parish council precepts.

The average council tax per dwelling (taking into account that most homes sit in bands A to C, not Band D) stands at £1,770 for 2025/26.

Key Figures at a Glance

Average Band D council tax (England): £2,280
Overall council tax requirement: £44.1 billion
Average council tax per dwelling: £1,770
Increase in parish precepts: 7.4%
Adult social care precept contribution: £654 million, adding £34 to the average Band D bill

Adult Social Care: The Biggest Pressure on Bills

Councils with adult social care responsibilities were allowed to raise bills by an additional 2% on top of the core council tax increase. Out of 153 authorities with these responsibilities, 147 used the full 2%. Only six applied part of the allowance. That social care precept alone adds £34, or roughly 1.5%, to the average Band D bill.

The rising cost of adult social care has been the single biggest driver of council tax increases since 2016/17, and there is no sign of that easing any time soon.

Regional Variations Across England

Council tax is not the same everywhere. Where you live makes a real difference to what you pay:

London: £1,982 average Band D (4.7% increase)
Metropolitan areas: £2,289 (5.6% increase)
Unitary authorities: £2,366 (5.2% increase)
Shire areas: £2,344 (4.8% increase)

Metropolitan and unitary authority areas saw the sharpest rises, while London remains below the national average because inner London boroughs have historically lower council tax rates.

Council Tax by Authority Type

England average: £2,280 (5.0%)
Inner London boroughs: £1,192 (4.8%)
Outer London boroughs: £1,688 (5.1%)
Metropolitan districts: £1,936 (5.4%)
Shire unitary authorities: £1,984 (5.2%)
Shire districts: £276 (3.8%)
Greater London Authority: £490 (4.0%)
Combined authorities: £86 (16.6%)
Police and crime commissioners: £282 (5.2%)
Fire and rescue authorities: £93 (5.7%)

Referendum Limits and Council Decisions

Of the 384 authorities subject to referendum rules in 2025/26, 293 raised council tax by the maximum amount allowed. Another 56 came close to the limit. Just eight councils either froze or reduced their council tax. No authority exceeded its referendum threshold.

In practical terms, most councils are raising bills by as much as they legally can without triggering a public vote.

Long-Term Trends: How Much Has Council Tax Risen Over 15 Years?

In 2011/12, the average Band D council tax bill was £1,439. By 2025/26, it has reached £2,280, a 58% increase over 15 years. The steepest rises have come since 2016/17 when the adult social care precept was introduced.

For many households, wages have not kept pace with these increases. That is one of the key reasons why council tax arrears have become such a widespread problem across England.

Parish Precepts: The Hidden Extra

If you live in an area with a parish or town council, you are also paying a parish precept on top of your main council tax. The average parish precept rose by £6.32 (7.4%) to £92.22 in 2025/26. There are 8,911 precepting parishes in England, collectively raising over £858 million.

What Else Changed in 2025/26?

Second homes premium: from April 2025, councils gained the power to apply additional charges on second homes, increasing the tax base in some areas
New combined authority precepts: some combined authorities, including the East Midlands and North East, began levying precepts for the first time
No major local government reorganisation affecting council boundaries or responsibilities

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

The 2025/26 figures confirmed what most people already suspected: council tax keeps going up, and there is no realistic prospect of that changing soon. Local authorities remain under severe financial pressure, particularly those responsible for adult social care and children’s services.

With the 2026/27 financial year now underway, many households are bracing for yet another rise. If you are already struggling with your council tax bill, it is worth acting sooner rather than later.

Struggling With Your Council Tax Bill?

If you are behind on your council tax or worried about keeping up with rising bills, you are not alone. There are options available to you, from council tax support and payment plans to formal debt solutions.

Read our guide on what happens if you do not pay council tax to understand the process, or get in touch with our team for free, confidential advice.

Government source: Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2025 to 2026

Disability council tax exemption documents and blue badge on hallway table

Disability Council Tax Exemption 2026

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Disability Council Tax Exemption: Could You Be Paying Less?

Knowing your rights around disability council tax exemption could save you hundreds of pounds a year. If you or someone in your household has a disability or severe mental impairment, you may qualify for a reduction or full exemption from council tax. Many people across England and Wales are entitled to this support but simply do not know it exists.

Council tax is one of the biggest household bills most of us face. But the system does recognise that certain individuals should not be expected to pay the full amount, and in some cases should not pay at all. Here is what you need to know for 2026.

Who Qualifies for a Disability Council Tax Exemption?

If you have been diagnosed as severely mentally impaired (SMI), you may be completely exempt from paying council tax. The legal definition of SMI covers people with a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning that appears to be permanent. Conditions that commonly qualify include:

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Severe learning disabilities
Severe stroke after-effects
Multiple sclerosis
Bipolar disorder (in severe cases)
Severe brain injuries

To qualify, you need a signed certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming your condition. You also need to show that you receive, or are eligible to receive, a qualifying benefit such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the daily living component of Universal Credit with limited capability for work-related activity.

How Much Could You Save With a Disability Council Tax Exemption?

The savings depend on your household circumstances:

If you are the only adult in the property and you are classed as SMI, you can get a full 100% exemption, meaning you pay nothing
If you live with another person who is also SMI or otherwise “disregarded” for council tax purposes, the full bill can be waived
If you live with someone who is counted for council tax, a 25% single person discount may apply because you are disregarded from the calculation
If two or more people are counted but one is disregarded, a 25% discount still applies

On a typical Band D property in England, where the average council tax bill for 2025/26 is around £2,171, a 25% discount saves roughly £543 a year. A full exemption saves the entire amount.

Disability Reduction Scheme: A Lower Band for Adapted Homes

Separate from the SMI exemption, there is also the disability reduction scheme under Section 13 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. This applies if your home has certain features that are essential for the needs of a disabled resident. These include:

An extra room (not a bathroom or kitchen) used mainly by the disabled person
A second bathroom or kitchen required because of the disability
Enough floor space inside the property for a wheelchair to be used

If you qualify, your council tax band drops by one. So a Band C property would be charged at the Band B rate. For homes already in Band A, a one-sixth reduction (approximately 17%) is applied instead. This can be claimed in addition to other discounts, which makes it particularly valuable.

Who Else Can Be Disregarded for Council Tax?

Aside from those with severe mental impairment, the following people are disregarded when calculating council tax liability:

People under 18
Full-time students and student nurses
Apprentices earning £195 per week or less
Young people under 25 on certain government training schemes
Foreign language assistants registered with the British Council
Live-in carers who look after someone other than a spouse, partner, or child under 18
Diplomats and certain members of international organisations
Members of religious communities (monks and nuns)
People in prison or detained under mental health legislation

If everyone in a property is disregarded, the property may qualify for a full exemption. If one person remains counted while others are disregarded, a 25% discount applies.

Can You Claim a Backdated Council Tax Refund?

Yes, in many cases. If you have been paying full council tax without realising you were entitled to an SMI exemption or disability reduction, you may be able to claim a backdated refund. Some councils will backdate to the point when the disability began or when you first became eligible for a qualifying benefit.

There is no set time limit in law for how far back a council must go, but practice varies between local authorities. Some will refund several years without argument. Others may require more evidence. Either way, it is always worth asking, because the sums involved can be substantial.

You will need to provide your doctor’s certificate and evidence of qualifying benefit entitlement for the relevant period.

How to Apply for a Disability Council Tax Exemption

The process is straightforward but does require some paperwork:

Contact your local council’s council tax department and request an SMI exemption form (or check their website for an online application)
Ask your GP or specialist for a signed certificate confirming your severe mental impairment
Gather proof of your qualifying benefit, such as a PIP award letter or Attendance Allowance confirmation
Submit the application to your council along with the supporting documents
For the disability reduction scheme, contact your council and explain the adaptations in your home

Councils do not automatically apply these discounts. You must take the initiative and apply yourself, or have someone apply on your behalf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many households miss out on disability council tax exemptions because of simple misunderstandings:

Assuming you need a physical disability to qualify. The SMI exemption is specifically for mental impairment, not physical conditions
Not realising that carers can be disregarded too. If you are a live-in carer for someone who is not your spouse or child, you may not count towards the council tax bill
Thinking the council will apply discounts automatically. They will not. You have to claim
Giving up after an initial refusal. If your application is rejected, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal

Get Help With Your Council Tax

If you think you or someone in your household qualifies for a disability council tax exemption, do not put it off. The sooner you apply, the sooner you stop overpaying. And if you have been overpaying for years, there is a real chance of getting some of that money back.

At Council Tax Advisors, we help people across England and Wales access the discounts and exemptions they are entitled to. Whether you need guidance with an application, want to challenge your council tax banding, or just want to understand your options, we can help.

You should not be penalised for circumstances beyond your control. The system is designed to support those who need it most.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For free, confidential debt support, contact StepChange or Citizens Advice.

Belongings and bailiffs - household items in a box that bailiffs could seize for council tax debt

Belongings and Bailiffs: What Can They Take?

Written by admin on March 24, 2026. Posted in Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Understanding the rules around belongings and bailiffs can help you protect your property. If you are worried about what bailiffs can take from your home, you are not alone. Millions of people across England and Wales face enforcement action every year for council tax arrears. Knowing the rules about what bailiffs can and cannot seize is essential to protecting your belongings when enforcement agents visit. This guide covers everything you need to know about what bailiffs can take, what is protected by law, and how to get your possessions back.

What Can Bailiffs Take From Your Home?

If a bailiff visits your property to collect a council tax debt, there are clear rules under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 about what they can and cannot remove. These regulations still apply in full in 2026, and every enforcement agent in England and Wales must follow them.

Bailiffs may take items that can be sold to repay what you owe, including their fees. This typically includes:

Items you own outright, such as valuable electronics, jewellery, designer clothing, or furniture
Jointly owned goods: if you own something with someone else (like a car or TV), the bailiff can still take it, though only your share of the value counts towards the debt
Goods bought on credit cards, store cards, or loans (if legally considered your property)
Cash, cheques, stocks, bonds, or share certificates found on your premises
Items you are wearing or carrying, such as a watch, phone, or jewellery

What Can Bailiffs Not Take?

Some items are protected by law, meaning bailiffs are not allowed to remove them regardless of your debt. Under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013:

Tools or equipment essential for work or study: bailiffs cannot take items needed for your job or education, such as a work laptop or trade tools (unless the debt relates to unpaid business rates). The value limit for protected work tools is currently £1,350
Basic household items: everyday essentials like your cooker, fridge, washing machine, beds, clothes, and kitchen utensils
Children’s belongings: toys, clothes, or items that clearly belong to your child
Hired goods or items on hire purchase: if you are still making payments and the item belongs to the finance company, it cannot be seized
Pets or assistance animals: bailiffs cannot take any domestic or service animals
Food and drink: items essential for daily living are protected
Your home if it is a moveable item: if you live in a caravan or mobile home, it cannot be taken if it is your main residence
Medical equipment or mobility aids you rely on

How Much Can Bailiffs Take?

Bailiffs must only take goods that cover the total amount owed, including their fees. They cannot strip your home bare to cover a small debt. If they remove something worth significantly more than your debt, any surplus from the sale should be returned to you.

You will be given a list of items taken, either at the time of removal or through a controlled goods agreement. A controlled goods agreement means you keep the items in your home for now, but you must not sell, give away, or damage them. You should also receive a notice after entry, outlining what happened and your options going forward.

Bailiff Fees for Council Tax Debt in 2026

Bailiffs can add regulated fees to your debt at each stage of enforcement. As of 2026, the fixed fees are:

Compliance stage: £75 (the initial letter before any visit)
Enforcement stage: £235 plus 7.5% on debts over £1,500
Sale or disposal stage: £110 plus 7.5% on debts over £1,500

These are the maximum amounts. Bailiffs cannot charge you more than these figures. If you think you have been overcharged, you can complain about a bailiff through the official government process.

How to Get Your Belongings Back After Bailiffs Take Them

If your possessions have been seized, you still have options:

Settle the debt in full: paying what you owe, including bailiff fees, is the quickest way to stop further action and recover items before they are sold
Agree a payment plan: you may be able to negotiate a repayment arrangement with your creditor or the council directly. While they are not obliged to accept, it is always worth asking
Buy the goods back at auction: if your items go to auction, you can bid on them, though you will need to offer the highest price
Challenge unlawful action: if the bailiff did not follow proper procedure, make a formal complaint. Start with the bailiff company, then escalate to the court or the government complaint process
Apply to the court: if goods were taken unlawfully, you can apply to the county court for their return under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977

How to Protect Your Belongings Before a Bailiff Visit

Prevention is always better than cure. If you know a bailiff visit is coming, or you have received a compliance letter:

Do not let them into your home. For council tax debt, bailiffs cannot force entry unless they have previously gained peaceful entry. Read more about whether bailiffs can force entry
Park your car away from your property, as vehicles on your driveway or the road outside can be clamped or towed
Gather proof of ownership for items belonging to other household members. A simple signed letter or receipt can help
Lock any outbuildings, sheds, or garages, as bailiffs may attempt to access these
Contact your council to negotiate a payment plan before the bailiff visits
Contact Council Tax Advisors before the visit for free advice on your rights

What Happens If Someone Else’s Belongings Are Taken?

If a bailiff takes items that belong to someone else in your household, such as a partner, flatmate, or family member, that person can make a claim. They will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as a receipt, bank statement, or warranty document. The bailiff company is required to return items that do not belong to the debtor.

It is a good idea to keep receipts and proof of purchase for valuable items in your home, particularly if you share your property with others.

Get Free Help from Council Tax Advisors

Council Tax Advisors are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in helping people deal with council tax bailiffs and enforcement action. We can:

Speak to the bailiff enforcement agent on your behalf
Arrange a temporary hold on bailiff visits
Negotiate with your local council for a realistic payment plan
Help you challenge unlawful bailiff behaviour
Set up an affordable, sustainable repayment plan

All of this is completely free of charge. Contact us today for immediate help, or learn more about dealing with council tax arrears.

Related Guides

This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For free, confidential debt support, contact StepChange or Citizens Advice.