Author: admin

Updated for 2026

Council tax fraud costs local authorities in England and Wales millions of pounds every year, and councils are fighting back harder than ever. From fraudulent single person discount claims to undeclared changes in circumstance, the scope of council tax fraud investigations has widened significantly in recent years. If you owe council tax or are worried about enforcement action, understanding how these investigations work could help you avoid serious consequences.

What Counts as Council Tax Fraud?

Council tax fraud covers a range of dishonest activities designed to reduce or avoid council tax liability. The most common types include:

• Claiming a single person discount when other adults live at the property
• Failing to report that a student exemption no longer applies
• Claiming council tax reduction while failing to declare income or savings
• Registering a property as empty or uninhabitable when it is occupied
• Using a second home as a main residence to benefit from a lower council tax band

Under the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2012, local authorities have the power to investigate suspected fraud and pursue criminal prosecution where necessary. The Local Government Finance Act 1992 also gives councils broad enforcement powers when council tax goes unpaid.

How Councils Investigate Council Tax Fraud

Local authorities across England and Wales now use sophisticated data-matching tools to identify potential fraud. The National Fraud Initiative (NFI), run by the Cabinet Office, cross-references council tax records against electoral registers, housing benefit claims, and other government databases. In 2024/25, the NFI identified over 77,000 outcomes worth an estimated £688 million across all areas of public sector fraud.

Councils also receive tip-offs from neighbours and members of the public. Many authorities run dedicated fraud hotlines and online reporting forms. Cambridge City Council, for example, recovered over £600,000 through fraud investigations in a single year, doubling the amount saved from previous efforts. This included terminating fraudulent housing benefit claims, correcting council tax exemptions, and identifying resident errors worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Once a case is flagged, a council fraud team will typically:

• Review the council tax account and payment history
• Cross-check information against other public records
• Conduct surveillance or home visits in serious cases
• Interview the account holder under caution if criminal fraud is suspected

If fraud is proven, the council can demand repayment of any wrongly claimed discounts or reductions, issue a penalty of up to £1,000, or in the most serious cases, pursue prosecution through the magistrates court.

Council Tax Enforcement Is Getting Tougher

Councils are under increasing pressure to collect every pound they are owed. According to government figures, local authorities in England collected 96.0% of council tax due in 2023/24, but the remaining 4% represents billions of pounds in uncollected revenue. With local government funding still under strain, councils have little choice but to pursue arrears aggressively.

This means enforcement action is happening faster. If you miss payments, your council can apply to the magistrates court for a liability order within weeks. Once a liability order is granted, the council can instruct enforcement agents (bailiffs), make deductions directly from your wages or benefits, or even apply for a charging order against your property.

If you are already behind on your council tax payments, the increased focus on fraud and enforcement means your account is more likely to be reviewed. Councils now routinely cross-check arrears cases alongside fraud investigations, so any discrepancies in your account will be spotted quickly.

What This Means If You Are Struggling to Pay

The tightening of council tax enforcement does not just affect those committing fraud. Genuine hardship cases can also get caught up in the process. If you have fallen behind on your council tax, the most important thing you can do is contact your council before they contact you.

Most councils in England and Wales will agree to a repayment plan if you approach them early. The Government’s guidance on council tax arrears confirms that councils should consider your ability to pay before taking enforcement action.

You may also be entitled to council tax reduction (sometimes called council tax support) if you are on a low income. Each council runs its own scheme, so the amount of support varies depending on where you live. In Wales, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme is set nationally and tends to be more generous than many English schemes.

Free debt advice is available from several organisations:

• StepChange Debt Charity: free, confidential debt advice and repayment plans
• MoneyHelper: government-backed guidance on managing bills and debts
• Citizens Advice: practical help with council tax arrears and negotiating with your council

How to Protect Yourself

Whether you are genuinely struggling or simply want to make sure your council tax account is in order, there are steps you can take right now:

• Check your council tax bill is correct: make sure you are in the right band and any discounts are legitimate
• Report changes promptly: if someone moves in or out of your property, tell the council straight away
• Keep records of all payments and correspondence with your council
• If you cannot pay, contact your council or a free debt adviser before the situation escalates
• Be wary of council tax scams: fraudsters sometimes pose as council officers to extract payments

Council tax fraud investigations are not going away. If anything, councils will continue to invest more in detection and enforcement as they look to close the gap between what is owed and what is collected. The best way to avoid problems is to keep your account honest, up to date, and to seek help early if you are falling behind.

Get Free Council Tax Advice Today

If you are in council tax arrears or worried about enforcement action, you do not have to face it alone. Our experienced advisors offer free, independent advice to help you understand your options and create a manageable repayment plan. Getting in touch early can prevent bailiff action and help you take back control of your finances. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Updated for 2026

Thousands of households across England and Wales fall behind on council tax every year. Despite how common it is, council tax debt still carries a stigma that stops people from picking up the phone and asking for help. That delay turns a fixable problem into something far worse. If you owe council tax, you are not alone, and the sooner you act, the more options you have.

Why Council Tax Is Treated as a Priority Debt

Council tax arrears sit at the top of the debt priority list. Unlike credit cards or store finance, unpaid council tax can lead to a court summons, liability orders, enforcement agent (bailiff) visits, deductions straight from your wages or benefits, and in rare cases, imprisonment for wilful refusal to pay. That is why every reputable debt charity in the country tells you to deal with council tax before anything else.

Government figures show that local authorities in England collected around 96% of council tax owed in 2023/24. The uncollected 4% still adds up to billions across the country. In Wales, collection rates are broadly similar, with several councils writing off millions in old arrears each year. Behind those statistics are real people who fell behind during illness, redundancy, relationship breakdown, or simply because their income could not keep pace with rising bills.

Why People Feel Ashamed About Council Tax Debt

Council tax is not optional. You cannot cancel it, pause it, or negotiate it down in the way you might with a credit card provider. The bill lands on your doormat regardless of your circumstances. For many people, falling behind feels like a personal failure rather than a financial problem, because council tax carries a sense of civic obligation that other debts do not.

That shame is made worse by how some councils handle enforcement. Receiving a court summons or a threatening letter from a bailiff firm can make you feel criminalised for struggling financially. Research from StepChange Debt Charity consistently finds that council tax is one of the most commonly held debts among their clients, and that many people wait months or years before seeking advice because they feel too embarrassed.

Council Tax Debt Does Not Discriminate

There is a stubborn myth that council tax arrears only affect people on benefits. That has never been accurate, and the cost of living squeeze since 2022 has made it even less so. Council tax bills in England rose by close to 5% in 2025/26, with the average Band D bill now topping £2,100 in many areas. Working families, pensioners on fixed incomes, single parents, and young renters are all affected.

Single-parent households receive a 25% single person discount, but even with that reduction the bill can eat into a tight budget. Pensioners relying solely on the state pension are another group hit hard, especially those who fall just outside the threshold for pension credit. In Wales, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme offers more consistent support than many English councils, yet take-up remains lower than it should be because people simply do not know they qualify.

Young renters face their own challenge. Council tax is often the first major bill someone encounters after leaving shared student housing, and with rents consuming an ever-larger share of income, many end up in arrears within their first year of paying it.

What Happens When You Ignore Council Tax Arrears

Silence makes council tax debt worse, never better. Councils follow a set enforcement process that moves quickly once you fall behind:

• A reminder notice arrives within 14 days of a missed payment
• If you do not pay, you lose the right to monthly instalments and the full year’s balance becomes due immediately
• The council applies to the magistrates court for a liability order, adding court costs (typically £70 to £110) to what you already owe
• With a liability order granted, the council can instruct bailiffs, attach your earnings, or deduct from your benefits
• In extreme cases, the council may pursue bankruptcy proceedings or committal to prison

Bailiff fees are governed by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, but across the compliance, enforcement, and sale stages they can add hundreds of pounds to your debt. Every week of inaction costs you more money and more stress.

Discounts and Reductions You Might Not Know About

Every council in England operates a local Council Tax Reduction Scheme that can slash your bill if you are on a low income. The level of support varies because each council sets its own rules for working-age residents. Some provide up to 100% reduction for the lowest earners, while others cap help at 75% or 80%. In Wales, the scheme is set nationally and tends to be more generous.

Pensioners are covered by national rules and can receive up to 100% reduction regardless of where they live.

You should also check whether you qualify for:

• A 25% single person discount if you are the only adult in your home
• An exemption if the property is empty, undergoing major renovation, or occupied solely by students
• A disability reduction if someone in your household needs an extra room or adapted bathroom because of a disability
• A discretionary reduction under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which lets councils reduce bills in cases of severe hardship
• Pensioner-specific protections that apply nationally, regardless of your local scheme

MoneyHelper has a detailed guide covering every available discount and exemption.

Practical Steps to Deal with Council Tax Debt

The most effective thing you can do is contact your council before enforcement action starts. Most local authorities will agree to a manageable repayment plan if you approach them proactively. Even after a liability order has been issued, many councils would rather set up an affordable arrangement than send in bailiffs. If you have already missed council tax payments, acting now is always better than waiting.

You do not need to handle this on your own. Free, confidential debt advice is available from:

• Citizens Advice: local advisers who can negotiate with your council and check your entitlement to reductions
• StepChange Debt Charity: free debt management plans and personalised advice covering all your debts
• MoneyHelper: budgeting tools, calculators, and practical guidance on managing money
• Council Tax Advisors: specialist guidance focused entirely on council tax issues in England and Wales

Before you make contact, gather your council tax reference number, a breakdown of your income and essential outgoings, and details of any other debts. This helps your adviser build a realistic offer to put to the council.

Breaking the Stigma Around Council Tax Debt

Council tax debt is a financial problem, not a moral failing. The system in England and Wales makes it easy to fall into arrears: one missed payment can cost you the right to pay in instalments, leaving the full annual bill due in a single lump sum. That catches thousands of people off guard every year, regardless of their income or employment status.

Talking about council tax debt openly helps to normalise getting help early, before enforcement action drives costs higher. If someone you know is struggling, point them towards free advice. If you are the one struggling, know that debt advisers deal with your exact situation every single day. There is no judgement, only practical support.

Get Free Council Tax Advice Today

You do not have to let council tax debt take over your finances. Whether you are a couple of payments behind or already dealing with bailiff visits, our team can help you understand your rights and explore every available option. We provide free, confidential advice covering repayment plans, council tax reductions, and how to challenge unfair enforcement. The earlier you get in touch, the more we can do to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Council Tax Advisors provides free information and guidance on council tax matters in England and Wales. We are not a law firm, and our content does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you are in financial difficulty, we recommend speaking to a qualified debt adviser. Free, regulated debt advice is available from StepChange, Citizens Advice, and MoneyHelper.

Updated for 2026

A council tax court summons is one of the most alarming letters you can receive. It tells you that your local council has applied to the Magistrates’ Court for a liability order because of unpaid council tax. If you have received one, you are not alone. Councils in England and Wales issue hundreds of thousands of these summonses every year, and the numbers have been rising steadily since the cost of living crisis took hold.

The good news is that a council tax court summons does not make you a criminal. It is a civil matter, and you still have options. Acting quickly is the single most important thing you can do. This guide explains exactly what a court summons means, what happens at the hearing, and how to protect yourself from enforcement action.

What Is a Council Tax Court Summons?

A council tax court summons is a formal notice issued by your local authority after you have fallen behind on payments and failed to respond to earlier reminders. Under the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992, councils can apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a liability order once the amount becomes overdue.

Before reaching this stage, the council should have sent you:

• An initial bill or demand notice
• A reminder notice (usually giving 7 days to pay)
• A final notice requiring the full year’s balance

If those earlier notices went unanswered, the council’s next step is to apply for a summons. The summons will state the amount owed, the court date, and the court costs being added to your balance. In 2025/26, court costs typically range from £70 to £120 depending on the local authority, though some councils charge as little as £40.

Council Tax Court Summons Costs in 2026

When a council issues a court summons for unpaid council tax, it adds a fixed court cost to your debt. These costs vary significantly across England and Wales. For the 2025/26 financial year:

• The average court summons cost in England is around £85
• Some London boroughs charge over £100
• Welsh councils generally charge between £50 and £70
• A small number of councils have reduced or waived costs for residents on low incomes

These costs are added automatically when the summons is issued, not when the court hearing takes place. Even if you pay the full council tax balance before the hearing, you may still be liable for the court costs. It is always worth contacting your council to ask whether costs can be withdrawn if you settle the debt promptly.

What Happens at a Council Tax Court Hearing?

Council tax court hearings are held at the Magistrates’ Court and are civil proceedings, not criminal ones. In practice, these hearings are dealt with quickly. The court typically processes dozens of cases in a single session, and individual hearings may last only a few minutes.

You have the right to attend the hearing. If you do attend, you can:

• Explain your financial circumstances to the Magistrates
• Challenge the amount if you believe it is incorrect
• Ask the Magistrates to consider your ability to pay
• Request that any payment arrangement reflects your income

If you do not attend, the court will almost always grant the liability order in your absence. This is because the council only needs to prove that the tax is owed and that you have not paid it. The Magistrates have very limited grounds to refuse a liability order.

According to Citizens Advice, attending the hearing gives you the best chance of negotiating a manageable outcome, even if the liability order is still granted.

What Is a Liability Order?

A liability order is a legal document that gives the council additional powers to recover the debt. Once a Magistrates’ Court grants a liability order, the council can use several enforcement methods:

• Request an attachment of earnings (deductions taken directly from your wages)
• Request deductions from benefits (typically through the Department for Work and Pensions)
• Instruct enforcement agents (bailiffs) to collect the debt
• Apply for a charging order on your property
• In extreme cases, apply for committal to prison (though this is very rare)

The council does not have to follow these steps in any particular order, but most will start with attachment of earnings or benefit deductions before turning to bailiffs. If you are worried about the risk of prison for council tax arrears, it is worth knowing that imprisonment is an absolute last resort and rarely used.

How to Respond to a Council Tax Court Summons

The worst thing you can do is ignore a council tax court summons. Here is what you should do instead:

1. Check the amount

Look carefully at the figures on the summons. Make sure the amount matches what you actually owe. If you have made payments that are not reflected, contact the council immediately with proof of payment.

2. Contact the council before the hearing

Most councils prefer to arrange a payment plan rather than pursue enforcement. Call the council tax department and explain your situation honestly. If you can agree a repayment arrangement before the court date, some councils will withdraw the summons or agree not to pursue further action.

3. Check whether you qualify for council tax support

You might be entitled to a reduction you have not claimed. Every council in England runs its own council tax reduction scheme for working-age residents, and pensioners are covered by a national scheme. In Wales, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme provides similar support.

4. Attend the hearing

Even if you cannot pay, attending shows the court that you are engaging with the process. You can explain your circumstances directly to the Magistrates.

5. Get free debt advice

Organisations like StepChange, MoneyHelper, and Citizens Advice offer free, confidential help with council tax debt. They can help you understand your options and, in some cases, contact the council on your behalf.

Can You Stop a Council Tax Court Summons?

Once a summons has been issued, it can be difficult to have it withdrawn entirely. However, there are situations where the council may agree to stop proceedings:

• You pay the full balance (including court costs) before the hearing date
• You set up a payment arrangement that the council accepts
• You successfully apply for council tax support that covers the arrears period
• You can demonstrate the bill is incorrect (for example, you were not the liable person at the property)

If you believe the summons has been issued in error, you should write to the council setting out why. Common grounds include being charged for a property you no longer live at, being billed as a single occupant when you should receive a single person discount, or having already set up a payment plan that was not recorded properly.

Council Tax Court Summons and Bailiffs

One of the biggest fears people have after receiving a council tax court summons is that bailiffs will turn up at their door. Under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, enforcement agents (the official term for bailiffs) must follow strict rules when collecting council tax debt.

Bailiffs can only be instructed after a liability order has been granted. They cannot visit your home before that point. When they do attend, they must:

• Give you at least 7 days’ written notice before their first visit
• Visit between 6am and 9pm (unless they have specific court authorisation)
• Not use force to enter your home on a first visit
• Identify themselves and show proper documentation

If a bailiff behaves improperly, you can report their behaviour and make a formal complaint. The council remains responsible for the actions of any enforcement agents they instruct.

Vulnerable People and Council Tax Court Summonses

Councils have a duty to treat vulnerable residents fairly. Government guidance published in 2024 strengthened the expectation that councils should identify and support vulnerable people before taking enforcement action. If you or someone in your household is vulnerable due to mental health issues, disability, serious illness, or bereavement, the council should take this into account.

In practice, this means the council should consider whether enforcement is appropriate and whether alternative arrangements can be made. Many councils now have dedicated vulnerability teams or partner with local advice agencies. If you think vulnerability applies to your situation, make sure you tell the council as early as possible and provide any supporting evidence from a GP or support worker.

The earlier you reach out for help, the more options you will have.

Council Tax Advisors provides free information and guidance on council tax matters. We are not a law firm or regulated financial adviser. The content on this site is for general information purposes only and should not be treated as legal or financial advice. If you need professional advice, please consult a qualified solicitor or contact your local Citizens Advice bureau.

Get Free Council Tax Advice Today

If you have received a council tax court summons and need guidance on what to do next, our team can help. We offer free, no obligation advice on council tax debt, court summonses, and dealing with enforcement agents across England and Wales.

Contact Us for Free Advice

Updated for 2026

Falling behind on council tax arrears is more common than most people think. According to government figures, local authorities in England collected over £38 billion in council tax during 2024/25, yet hundreds of millions remain outstanding in unpaid bills. If you owe council tax and you have been ignoring the letters, the consequences can escalate quickly, and in the worst cases, you could face a prison sentence.

Can You Go to Prison for Council Tax Arrears?

Yes, you can. Under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, magistrates in England and Wales have the power to commit someone to prison for up to 90 days if they are found to have been culpably negligent or to have wilfully refused to pay their council tax. Prison sentences for council tax arrears are rare, but they do happen. In one well-known case, a resident in Edmonton, north London, was jailed for 90 days after failing to pay nearly £5,000 in council tax over several years. He had ignored multiple court summons and refused to engage with the council at any stage.

The key point here is that prison is typically reserved for people who have repeatedly refused to pay despite having the means to do so, or who have deliberately avoided contact with their council. If you are genuinely struggling to pay, the courts will usually look for alternative solutions before resorting to a custodial sentence.

What Happens When You Fall Behind on Council Tax

Councils in England and Wales follow a well-established enforcement process when someone stops paying. Understanding these stages can help you act before things spiral out of control.

First, the council will send you a reminder notice. You usually have 7 days to pay the missed instalment. If you pay within that window, your normal payment schedule continues as before.

If you miss a second payment, a final notice is issued. At this point, the full remaining balance for the year becomes due immediately, not just the missed instalments.

When payment still is not made, the council applies to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. You will receive a court summons, and the council will add court costs to your bill (typically between £70 and £120). A liability order gives the council significant powers to recover the debt.

Council Tax Enforcement Powers After a Liability Order

Once a liability order has been granted, the council can take several steps to chase unpaid council tax. These include:

• Deductions directly from your wages through an attachment of earnings order
• Deductions from benefits such as Universal Credit or Income Support
• Sending enforcement agents (bailiffs) to your home to seize goods
• Placing a charging order on your property
• Making you bankrupt if the debt is over £5,000
• Applying to the magistrates’ court to commit you to prison

Bailiff action is one of the most common enforcement methods. However, councils have faced criticism for using bailiffs unnecessarily, particularly when residents are vulnerable or on low incomes. The government’s guidance on council tax arrears makes clear that councils should consider someone’s ability to pay before escalating enforcement.

How to Avoid Court Action for Council Tax Debt

The single most important thing you can do is contact your council as early as possible. Councils would rather set up an affordable repayment plan than spend time and money taking you to court. Here are practical steps you can take right now:

Check whether you qualify for a Council Tax Reduction. This is a discount of up to 100% for people on low incomes or certain benefits. Every council in England runs its own scheme, while Wales has a national Council Tax Reduction Scheme. If your circumstances have changed since you last applied, it is worth checking again.

Ask your council about a special payment arrangement. Most councils will agree to spread arrears over a longer period if you contact them and explain your situation honestly. Put your request in writing so you have a record.

Check your council tax band. Around 400,000 homes in England are thought to be in the wrong band according to estimates. You can check and challenge your band for free through the Valuation Office Agency. If your band is reduced, you could receive a refund going back years.

Make sure you are claiming all discounts and exemptions you are entitled to. Single person discount (25% off), student exemptions, disability reductions, and exemptions for empty properties are commonly missed.

Where to Get Free Council Tax Advice

If your council tax debt feels overwhelming, free advice is available from several organisations:

• Citizens Advice provides free, confidential guidance on council tax arrears and can help you negotiate with your council
• StepChange Debt Charity offers free debt advice and can create a plan covering all your debts, including council tax
• MoneyHelper (backed by the Money and Pensions Service) provides tools and guides to help you manage your finances
• Council Tax Advisors can help you understand your rights, deal with bailiff enforcement, and explore payment options with your council

Do Not Ignore Council Tax Debt

The worst thing you can do with council tax arrears is nothing. Every week you leave it, the debt grows through court costs, enforcement fees, and interest. What starts as a missed payment of a few hundred pounds can quickly become a liability of several thousand.

Prison remains a last resort, but it is a legal possibility. Thousands of people receive court summonses for unpaid council tax every year across England and Wales. The good news is that the earlier you act, the more options you have. Whether it is setting up a payment plan, applying for a council tax reduction, or getting free debt advice, taking that first step today can prevent a much worse outcome tomorrow.

If you are struggling with council tax arrears, contact Council Tax Advisors for guidance on your options. We can help you understand the enforcement process and connect you with the right support.

Updated for 2026

Turning 40 is often seen as a fresh start, but for a growing number of people in the UK, it marks the beginning of serious financial difficulty. Research consistently shows that those in their forties are among the most likely to fall behind on household bills, including council tax.

Why Do Debt Problems Peak After 40?

People in their forties tend to face a perfect storm of financial pressures. Mortgage repayments, the cost of raising children, and the need to start thinking about retirement savings all compete for the same pot of money. When something unexpected happens, whether that is a job loss, a relationship breakdown, or a health issue, the whole structure can come crashing down.

According to data from the Money and Pensions Service, adults aged 35 to 54 are the most likely to have problem debt in the UK. Council tax arrears are one of the most common types of debt reported in this age group, alongside credit cards and personal loans.

The cost of living crisis has made things worse. Energy bills, food prices, and rent or mortgage costs have all risen sharply since 2022, and many households have not seen their incomes keep pace. For those already stretched thin, even a small council tax increase can tip the balance.

Council Tax Arrears: A Growing Problem for Working Families

Council tax is a priority debt, meaning it has more serious consequences than credit cards or store cards. If you fall behind, your council can apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order, which opens the door to enforcement action including bailiff visits, deductions from your wages, or even money taken directly from your benefits.

Many people in their forties earn too much to qualify for council tax support but not enough to comfortably cover all their outgoings. This leaves them in a gap where help is limited but the bills keep coming.

Local authorities across England collected over £39 billion in council tax in 2024/25, yet arrears continue to climb. Councils are under pressure to recover what they are owed, and the enforcement process can move quickly once payments are missed.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Debt rarely arrives overnight. There are usually warning signs well before things reach crisis point:

• Regularly running out of money before payday
• Using credit cards or overdrafts to cover essential bills
• Paying one bill late so you can cover another
• Ignoring letters or calls from creditors
• Losing sleep over money worries

If any of these sound familiar, acting sooner rather than later makes a real difference. The longer council tax debt goes unaddressed, the harder it becomes to resolve, as court costs and enforcement fees are added to the original amount.

What You Can Do if You Are Struggling

The most important step is to contact your council before the situation escalates. Most councils would rather agree a manageable payment plan than spend time and money on court proceedings. When you get in touch, be honest about your financial situation and what you can realistically afford.

You should also check whether you are entitled to any discounts or exemptions. Single person discount, council tax reduction for low income, and exemptions for certain disabilities are all commonly overlooked. Your council’s website or a free debt advice service can help you work out what applies to you.

If your debts extend beyond council tax, consider speaking to a free, regulated debt advice provider such as Citizens Advice, StepChange, or the MoneyHelper service. These organisations can look at your full financial picture and recommend solutions such as a debt management plan or help you negotiate with creditors.

You Are Not Alone

Falling behind with bills in your forties does not mean you have failed. The financial pressures facing this age group are well documented and widely shared. What matters is taking action rather than hoping the problem will go away on its own.

Contact Council Tax Advisors for free, independent guidance on dealing with council tax arrears and understanding your options.

Council Tax Advisors provides general information about council tax. This is not financial advice. If you need help with debt, please contact a regulated debt advice provider such as Citizens Advice or StepChange.