Clean Up Your Credit Score

A poor credit score can cost UK households hundreds of pounds each year through higher interest rates, rejected applications and more expensive deals on everything from energy to broadband. If your credit rating has taken a hit, whether from missed council tax payments, mounting debts or simply never having borrowed before, taking steps to clean up your credit score could save you a significant amount of money in 2026 and beyond.

Why Your Credit Score Matters in 2026

Your credit score is a snapshot of how reliably you have managed borrowing and repayments. Lenders, landlords, mobile phone providers and even some employers use it to decide whether to do business with you. In 2026, with interest rates still elevated compared to pre-2022 levels, the difference between a good and poor credit score is more costly than ever.

According to research from the Money and Pensions Service, households with poor credit ratings pay on average £1,200 more per year across energy, broadband, insurance and borrowing costs. That is money most people simply cannot afford to waste.

If you have fallen behind on council tax payments, this can appear on your credit file once a County Court Judgement (CCJ) is issued. A CCJ stays on your record for six years and can make it harder to get approved for credit, tenancies and even some jobs.

How to Clean Up Your Credit Score

1. Register on the electoral roll

This is one of the quickest ways to boost your credit score. Lenders use the electoral register to verify your identity and address. If you are not registered, you are almost certainly losing points. You can register to vote on GOV.UK in minutes.

2. Check your credit report for errors

You can now check your credit report for free through services like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion (formerly Callcredit). Look for incorrect addresses, accounts you do not recognise, or debts that have been repaid but still show as outstanding. If you spot mistakes, raise a dispute directly with the credit reference agency.

3. Pay bills on time, every time

Late payments are one of the biggest factors dragging down credit scores. Set up direct debits for your mortgage, rent, council tax, energy and phone bills. Even one missed payment can stay on your file for six years. If you are struggling to keep up with council tax bills, contact your council early to arrange a payment plan before it escalates.

4. Reduce your credit utilisation

Try to use no more than 30% of your available credit at any time. For example, if your credit card limit is £2,000, aim to keep the balance below £600. Maxing out cards signals to lenders that you are relying too heavily on credit.

5. Space out credit applications

Each time you apply for credit, a hard search is recorded on your file. Multiple applications in a short period make you look desperate to borrow. Space applications out by at least three months and use eligibility checkers (soft searches) before applying.

6. Close unused accounts

Old credit cards and store cards you no longer use still count towards your total available credit. Closing accounts you do not need tidies up your credit file and reduces the risk of fraud.

7. Sever financial links with ex-partners

Joint accounts, joint mortgages and even shared utility bills create a financial association on your credit file. If your ex-partner has a poor credit score, it could drag yours down. Contact the credit reference agencies to request a financial disassociation once all joint accounts are closed.

8. Build credit if you have none

Having no credit history can be just as problematic as having a bad one. A credit builder card, used for small purchases and paid off in full each month, can establish a positive track record over six to twelve months.

How Council Tax Debt Affects Your Credit Score

Council tax debt itself does not appear on your credit file. However, if your council takes you to court and obtains a liability order, and then pursues a CCJ, this will be recorded. A CCJ significantly damages your credit score and stays visible for six years from the date of judgement.

If you are already dealing with council tax arrears, getting advice early can prevent the situation from reaching court. Organisations like StepChange and MoneyHelper offer free, confidential debt advice.

You may also be entitled to council tax support or a reduction if you are on a low income, receiving certain benefits, or are the sole adult in your household.

How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score?

There is no overnight fix. Some changes, like registering on the electoral roll or correcting errors, can improve your score within weeks. Others, like building a consistent repayment history, take months. Negative marks such as CCJs, defaults and bankruptcies remain on your file for six years, but their impact lessens over time.

The key is consistency. Every on-time payment, every month of keeping your credit utilisation low, and every old error you correct moves you in the right direction.

Free Tools to Monitor Your Credit Score

In 2026, checking your credit score is free and straightforward. The three main credit reference agencies in the UK are:

Experian: free basic score via the Experian app or website
Equifax: free access through ClearScore
TransUnion: free access through Credit Karma

Each agency may hold slightly different information, so it is worth checking all three. Monitoring your score regularly helps you spot problems early and track your progress as you work to clean up your credit score.

Need Help With Council Tax or Debt?

If council tax debt or other financial difficulties are affecting your credit score, we can help. Get in touch for free, confidential guidance on your options.

Get Free Advice