In Council Tax Debt? 5 Steps to Take Back Control
Updated for 2026
If you owe council tax and you are not sure what to do next, you are not alone. Thousands of households across England and Wales fall behind on council tax every year. The good news is that there are clear, practical steps you can take right now to get back on track.
1. Work Out Exactly How Much Council Tax Debt You Owe
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know its size. Gather all your council tax bills, reminder letters and any court summons you may have received. Add up what you owe in total, including any bailiff fees or court costs that have been added.
A debt only becomes a crisis when it outstrips your ability to repay. Someone owing £500 on a low income faces a very different situation to someone owing £2,000 on a comfortable salary. Understanding where you stand is the first step to finding the right solution.
Check your council tax account online through your local council’s website, or phone them directly. They can confirm your balance, any discounts applied and whether a liability order has been issued.
2. Act Quickly Before Things Escalate
Council tax debt does not go away on its own. If you ignore reminder letters, your council will apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. Once they have that, they can instruct enforcement agents (bailiffs), deduct money from your wages or even, in extreme cases, pursue bankruptcy proceedings.
The sooner you act, the more options you have. Councils are far more willing to set up affordable payment plans when you contact them early. Leaving it until bailiffs are at the door limits what can be done and adds hundreds of pounds in fees to your bill.
3. Prioritise Council Tax Over Other Debts
Not all debts are equal. Council tax is classed as a priority debt because the consequences of not paying are more severe than for credit cards or personal loans. Your council has legal powers that other creditors do not, including the ability to send enforcement agents to your home or apply for a committal hearing that could, in the worst case, lead to a prison sentence.
If you have multiple debts, organisations like StepChange and Citizens Advice recommend paying council tax, rent and utility bills first. Credit card companies and catalogue debts should come second.
For a fuller picture of what happens when you miss council tax payments, read our detailed guide.
4. Check Whether You Are Paying the Right Amount
Many people in council tax debt are actually paying more than they should. Before you set up a repayment plan, check whether any of the following apply to you:
- You live alone and qualify for the 25% single person discount
- Your property is in the wrong council tax band (the Valuation Office Agency estimates hundreds of thousands of homes in England are incorrectly banded)
- You are on a low income and eligible for council tax reduction
- You or someone in your household has a disability that qualifies for a reduction
- Your property has been empty or is undergoing major renovation
Getting the right discount or band correction could reduce what you owe straight away, sometimes wiping out the arrears entirely.
5. Get Free, Professional Council Tax Debt Advice
You do not have to deal with council tax debt on your own. Free advice is available from several sources:
- Citizens Advice: free, confidential guidance on all debt issues
- StepChange Debt Charity: free debt management plans and advice
- GOV.UK: official information on council tax rules, discounts and exemptions
- Your local council’s welfare or benefits team
At Council Tax Advisors, we help people across England and Wales who are struggling with council tax arrears. Whether you need help understanding a court summons, negotiating a payment plan with your council, or checking whether you are in the right council tax band, we can point you in the right direction.
Our service is designed to give you clear, honest information so you can make the best decision for your situation. We do not provide regulated financial advice, but we can help you understand your options and connect you with the right support.
Need Help With Council Tax Debt?
If you are behind on council tax payments and not sure where to turn, get in touch with our team. We are here to help you understand your options and take back control of your finances.