Dealing With Debts Other Than Council Tax

Updated for 2026

If you are struggling with council tax, there is a good chance you are also dealing with debts other than council tax at the same time. Energy bills, credit card balances, payday loans and mortgage arrears can all pile up, making it feel impossible to keep on top of your finances. In 2026, with household costs still rising across the UK, millions of people find themselves juggling multiple debts at once. The good news is that free, impartial help is available, and understanding your options is the first step towards regaining control.

Why Debts Other Than Council Tax Are So Common in 2026

The cost of living crisis has left millions of UK households stretched thin. According to the Money and Pensions Service, around 8.3 million people in the UK have problem debt. Council tax arrears rarely exist in isolation. When someone falls behind on council tax, they are often behind on other bills too, including gas, electricity, water, broadband and rent or mortgage payments.

Energy prices remain a particular concern. Despite the energy price cap being adjusted several times since 2022, many households still spend a significant portion of their income on heating and lighting. If you are already behind on council tax, an unexpected energy bill or boiler repair can tip the balance. You can read our guide on how to save money on your utility bills for practical tips on reducing those costs.

Credit card debt is another major issue. UK consumers owe over £70 billion on credit cards, and minimum repayments can trap people in a cycle that takes years to escape. Store cards, buy now pay later schemes and catalogue debts add further pressure on already tight budgets.

Common Debts That Pile Up Alongside Council Tax

The most frequent debts that households carry alongside council tax arrears include:

Gas and electricity bills
Water rates
Credit card balances
Rent or mortgage arrears
Personal loans and overdrafts
Buy now pay later obligations
Catalogue and store card debts

Carrying several of these at once creates a situation where no single payment feels manageable, and the temptation to borrow your way out grows stronger.

How Payday Loans and Credit Cards Make Things Worse

When bills are mounting, it can be tempting to reach for a quick fix. Payday loans and credit cards might seem like a way to cover a shortfall, but the interest rates can quickly turn a small debt into a much larger one.

Payday loans typically carry annual interest rates of several hundred per cent. While the FCA has capped the cost of payday lending, the charges can still be significant if you cannot repay on time. Rolling over a payday loan or taking out a second one to cover the first is a common pattern that leads to a spiral of debt. We have written more about safer alternatives to payday loans if you are considering borrowing.

Credit cards are not much better if you only make minimum payments. On a typical card with a 20% APR, paying only the minimum means it could take decades to clear even a modest balance. If you are already dealing with debts other than council tax, adding credit card interest on top only makes recovery harder. Our guide to dealing with credit card debt covers this in more detail.

The safer option is always to speak to a free debt adviser before borrowing more. Organisations like StepChange and MoneyHelper offer confidential support at no cost.

Dealing With Debts Other Than Council Tax: Where to Start

The most important thing is to take stock of everything you owe. Write down each debt, the amount outstanding, the interest rate and the minimum monthly payment. This gives you a clear picture of where you stand.

Once you have that list, prioritise your debts. Council tax, rent or mortgage and energy bills are priority debts because the consequences of non-payment are the most serious. These can lead to bailiff action, eviction or disconnection. Non-priority debts like credit cards, personal loans and catalogue debts are still important, but creditors have fewer powers to enforce them quickly.

Steps You Can Take Today

Contact each creditor and explain your situation. Most energy companies are required to offer payment plans if you are struggling. Your council may agree to a repayment arrangement for council tax arrears. Credit card companies can freeze interest or agree to reduced payments if you are in genuine financial difficulty.

You should also check whether you are claiming all the benefits and support you are entitled to. Council tax support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit and the Warm Home Discount can all make a real difference. Use the benefits calculator on GOV.UK to check what you could be receiving.

Setting up a simple budget is essential. List your income against your essential outgoings, and work out exactly how much you can afford to put towards each debt. Even small regular payments show creditors you are trying and may prevent enforcement action. For more budgeting strategies, see our article on managing debt repayments.

How Bailiffs Handle Non-Council Tax Debts

If you have debts other than council tax that are enforced by bailiffs (officially called enforcement agents), it is important to understand your rights. Bailiffs collecting for different types of debt have different powers depending on the type of warrant or order they hold.

For council tax debts, bailiffs need a liability order from the magistrates’ court before they can visit. For other debts like parking fines, magistrates’ court fines or county court judgments, different rules apply. In all cases, bailiffs must give you at least seven days’ written notice before their first visit, and they cannot force entry to your home on their first visit for most debt types.

What Bailiffs Cannot Take

Bailiffs cannot take essential household items like your cooker, fridge, washing machine, bedding or clothing. They also cannot take items that belong to someone else in your household. Tools of your trade up to a value of £1,350 are also protected.

If a bailiff behaves aggressively or breaks the rules, you have the right to complain to the creditor and, if necessary, to the court. You can find out more about bailiff rules and how to challenge them on our site.

Free Help and Support Available

You do not need to face debt alone. Several organisations in the UK provide free, confidential debt advice that covers all types of debt, not just council tax:

StepChange Debt Charity offers a free online debt advice service and can set up a debt management plan on your behalf
MoneyHelper, run by the Money and Pensions Service, provides tools and guidance on budgeting, debt and benefits
Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights and negotiate with creditors
National Debtline offers free advice by phone and online

Your local council may also have a welfare assistance scheme or hardship fund that can help with emergency costs. It is always worth asking.

If your debts feel overwhelming, formal solutions like a Debt Relief Order (for debts under £30,000 with no assets and low income) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement may be worth considering. A qualified debt adviser can talk you through the options that apply to your situation. You can also read our guide on free debt advice in the UK for more details on where to turn.

Get Free Advice on Your Debts

If you are struggling with multiple debts and do not know where to turn, we can help. Our team at Council Tax Advisors offers free, impartial advice on council tax arrears and other household debts. Whether you need help setting up a payment plan, understanding your rights with bailiffs, or simply want to talk through your options, contact us today.