Tougher Action in Lincolnshire Results in More Council Tax Summonses

Updated for 2026

Council tax collection remains a pressing issue in Lincolnshire, where tougher enforcement action has led to a significant rise in summonses being issued against non-payers. As councils across England and Wales face growing pressure to close funding gaps, Lincolnshire has taken a notably firm stance, increasing recovery activity to recoup outstanding debts.

The shift towards stricter enforcement reflects a wider trend. Since the localisation of council tax support in 2013, many households that were previously exempt now face bills they struggle to afford. In Lincolnshire, outstanding council tax debt has climbed steadily, and the council has responded by issuing thousands of additional summonses each year. The cost of a summons alone, typically around £70 to £110 on top of the original debt, can push households further into difficulty.

A Lincolnshire County Council spokesperson previously stated that the authority is “committed to supporting customers who have genuine difficulty with paying their council tax, while taking robust enforcement action against those who simply won’t pay.” That approach continues into 2026, with reminder notices and court summonses being issued in greater numbers as the cost of living crisis places additional strain on household budgets.

What happens when a summons is issued?

If you fall behind on council tax payments and ignore reminder notices, your council can apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. This grants them wider powers to recover the debt, including:

• Instructing enforcement agents (bailiffs) to visit your home
• Making deductions directly from your wages or benefits
• Placing a charging order on your property
• In extreme cases, committal to prison (though this is rare)

The summons itself adds court costs to your bill, making the total debt larger. Acting quickly when you receive a council tax reminder can help you avoid reaching this stage.

Why are more summonses being issued?

Several factors are driving the increase in enforcement action across Lincolnshire and other parts of England and Wales:

• Council tax bills have risen significantly year on year, with many authorities applying the maximum permitted increase
• The cost of living crisis has left more households unable to keep up with payments
• Reduced central government funding means councils rely more heavily on council tax income
• Councils are under political pressure to demonstrate they are collecting what is owed

What you can do if you’re struggling

If you’ve received a council tax summons, or you’re worried about falling behind, there are steps you can take right now:

• Contact your council immediately to discuss a repayment arrangement
• Check whether you qualify for council tax reduction or a discount (such as the single person discount)
• Apply for council tax support through your local authority
• Seek free advice from Council Tax Advisors, who can help you understand your options and negotiate with your council on your behalf

Council Tax Advisors offers a free, confidential service for anyone dealing with council tax arrears, enforcement action, or bailiff visits. Whether you need help setting up a manageable repayment plan or understanding your rights when bailiffs call, our team is here to help.

Don’t wait until a liability order is granted. The sooner you act, the more options you have. Contact us today to find out how we can help.