Council Tax liability order

Mart34

Hi guys

I'm really worried and need some advice urgently, I fell behind with my council tax and have now been issued with a liability order which I understand gives the council rights to claiming the money by whatever means.

I've spoken to the council and explained my situation prior to the order being issued and they said it is procedure, I'm currently struggling to make ends meet, but understand this is a priority.

I'm really worried tho, I've worked out my monthly income and expenditure, and can offer them £50 per month to pay the debt off, would they refuse this offer?

Thanks for any advice

HappyMJ

If that's all you can afford then they have no option than to accept your offer.

Make sure you prioritize your rent or mortgage above all other expenses.

The council actually expect you to stop paying towards your unsecured debts and prioritize current council tax payments.

When you get the next bill soon make sure you have room in your budget to pay that each month. You don't want to be getting into arrears with that one. This one can be spread out over the next year if you need some time.

Mart34

Hi
Thanks for responding, you have put my mind at rest, the last thing I want is for the bailiffs knocking at my door.

fatbelly

Another option, if you're working, is an attachment to earnings. Councils like them as they know that payments will be coming in, and employees on a variable wage benefit because the payments are taken on a sliding percentage.

http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200028/council-tax/996/council-tax-attachment-of-earnings

Having said that you'd have to be bringing home less than £740 a month for that to be a better deal.

Either way, you need to get something arranged with the council now, because their default option will be bailiffs.

National_Debtline

Hi Mart34,


I think Happy MJ made some good points about making sure that you don't fall behind on the new council tax bill in April because of this debt, and that you can only offer the council what you can afford. It is best to be pro active and approach the council but, unfortunately, the council are not obligated to accept it - it is at their discretion. Put it to them in writing or an email, attach your budget and explain why bailiffs may be unsuitable (i.e. very young children or someone in the household is unwell or vulnerable), but if they decline then I am afraid they may enforce the money owed.

The most common types of enforcement are bailiffs and attachment of earnings orders (if suitable). You should get notice of either of these things before they happen and there is more advice available about what to do if bailiffs are used. Have a read of our Council Tax factsheet.


Laura
@natdebtline

Mart34

Hi guys

Thank you so much for your advice, my mind has been put at rest. I have just been on the phone to the council, they were happy to accept £50 per month by weekly direct debit, (£12.50 per week)

I will be in receipt of a pay rise in May, (currently working probationary period in my current job) so will be able to pay a bit more to clear the debt quicker


Thanks again guys. Always great to turn to this website forum for advice when needed.