Council tax- no bill yet- problem paying

dori2o

As yet we have not received our council tax bill so I need to contact them tomorrow about this.

However this is not my only problem. Since my wife was made redundant we have lived hand to mouth so to speak and we have no money to pay the first CT installment. I have worked out a plan which involves cutting things like Sky, T'internet, Fags and drink out.

Even by doing this we will not be able to afford the first payment until 1 June, this would give us 10 months to 1 March 2010 to pay the bill which we can just do.

Would the local council accept this?

Due to my salary and tax credits we are above the limit for council tax benefit.

lincroft1710

Although you may be able to negotiate time frame over which you can pay, I have a feeling council may not want to give you a 2 month payment holiday. Hope I'm wrong though.

dori2o

The thing is I would normally get 2 months anyway in Feb and March. They can't have what I have not got, I am not trying to get away with not paying and I am sacrificing my creature comforts in order to pay the bill,but surely a little leniency.
If I did make this offer and they refused and took me to court, how would it stand, after all I have come up with a suitable solution which means all monies will be paid before the year end.

lincroft1710

Were I leader of the Universe I would gratefully accept your solution, but regrettably I'm not. What I think they may agree is token payments for Apr/May then balance spread over remaining 10 months. Unfortunately taxes come before "creature comforts" so don't use that argument as I'm sure they'll not be sympathetic.

Usually if a taxpayer doesn't pay CT it goes to court and bailiffs are sent in to seize goods to cover debt. I don't see this happening in your case as you are proactive, since you will be contacting them and trying to find solution. Make sure when you do contact them you speak to someone who has a title such as Senior or Chief Revenue Officer