Getting our costs back
We can arrange for recovery action to continue. This includes the summons costs and the liability order. We can also take action to get the money you owe.
Enforcement agents
Enforcement agents will write to you, telling you the action they intend to take. This will include visiting your premises if the debt remains unpaid. You would have to pay additional charges at this stage.
The enforcement agent can seize your property to sell, if you still don't pay.
What you must do
You can contact us and the enforcement agent to agree a payment plan. If the enforcement agent visits you, we could add their costs to your bill.
Prison
After the enforcement agent's visit, if you still don't pay, we can apply to the court for a warrant to send you to prison. The court will hold an enquiry and invite you to find out if you can afford to pay the bill.
What the court can do
If the court doesn't think you have a valid reason for not paying, it can send you to prison for up to 3 months. The court can decide to postpone imprisonment if you agree to repay the debt over time.
The court can also cancel all or part of the debt.
Other action we can take
If an enforcement agent is not used we can:
- order your employer to deduct a regular amount from your salary to pay your unpaid council tax
- apply for money to be deducted from your benefits – for example, Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit