If you can't pay council tax

England

• Reminder: after a missed instalment the council gives you 7 days to pay. If you don't, the rest of the year's bill becomes due.
• Final notice: councils send at most two reminders a year; a third missed payment brings a final notice for the whole year.
• Liability order: the council can ask the magistrates' court for one and add its costs. It can then take money from your wages or benefits, or send enforcement agents (bailiffs). Prison, for up to 3 months, is a last resort for wilful refusal or culpable neglect.

Changes from April 2027: you won't lose the right to pay by instalments until 63 days after the first missed payment, and court costs for a liability order will be capped at £100.

Wales

Since April 2026 a final notice must come at least 41 days after a missed payment and give you 21 days to pay; the Welsh Government's guidance gives at least 63 days before a council can apply to court. Nobody can be sent to prison for council tax debt in Wales.

Scotland

After a missed payment you get reminders, then a final notice for the full balance. If it still isn't paid the council gets a summary warrant from the sheriff, adds a 10% surcharge, and sheriff officers can arrest wages or bank accounts.

If you're struggling

Contact your council before you miss a payment. It may agree a new plan or spread payments over 12 months, and it can reduce a bill in hardship. Check whether you qualify for Council Tax Reduction or a discount.