Council Tax Problem

roguebrogue

Hi guys, it's my first post over here on the DFW board, I hope you don't mind but I need some advice and I do read this board alot and everyone sems helpful and understanding.

Admittedly, myself and my partner are rubbish with money, we struggle to make ends meet when we really shouldn't have to. I've only lived away from my parents for a year and am still getting to grips with all the things that need paying. Hopefully now my partner has a new job we shall be able to sit down a budget every month, that is my intention anyway.

Now, my problem. Council tax is something that I always forget about and now I have had a letter asking for £807.64 in the next 7 days or court action.
There is no way that we have that much money at all.
The only thing I can think of is taking a loan out to pay it? Although that sounds very drastic.
I've heard they sometimes set up installments to run alongside next year's payments? I'm not sure.
I am completely aware that this is my fault and I regret it now, believe me.

Can anybody offer any advice on this at all? I would be really greatful....I'm really worried!

msmicawber

Hi RB,

I'd recommend that you speak to the Council Tax recovery department at your Council as soon as you can on Monday morning and explain that you've made an error, wish to pay, but don't have the wherewithal to pay the full amount and would like to pay by instalments. They will send you a Summons if you don't try and get it sorted.

Why not ask if you can pay over 12 month instead of 10, starting immediately. Or, if you don't think you can manage to pay the entire bill by next April that way, tell them how much you can afford to pay back each month. Could you let them have a sum of money now to show good faith, even though you can't clear the bill?

roguebrogue

Hi msmicawber, thanks for the quick reply!
We are struggling this month, as my partner only started his new job last week and won't get paid for two weeks, so I have had to pay rent/food various other things from my pay (which is alot less than his). I can probably afford to pay them a bit at the end of this month, on payday, but definately not the whole amount.

I will ring them on Monday, I hope...although I always find it really scary doing that!

madmoney_2

hi there my mum has done exactly the same thing as you, she was really scared about phoning them so i phoned them on her behalf n they were lovely,(i had to put my mum on the phone for her to give me permission to speak on her behalf), shes agreed to pay them 100 quid a month plus her normal payment until the arrears are paid off, and i also managed to get them to spread the payments over 12 months instead of 10:j
my mums well chuffed as they were due to send her a summons
hope this helps xxx

mm

msmicawber

Hi again - try not to worry. Just explain and show willing to pay. Work out in advance before you speak to them how much you can afford and make them an offer. Although they have greater powers to get their money than, say, a credit card company, they're also more open to offers and used to dealing with people having problems paying. Provided you don't ignore their letters, you should be fine.

If you and/or your partner haven't been working, they should understand.

Best wishes.

roguebrogue

Thank you so much for the advice. I will ring them on Monday.
I'm glad your mum sorted it out moneymad, hopefully it will be the same for me, although I don't know if I can do £100.
I'll do as you suggested, msmi, and i'll have a chat with my parter about how much we can afford if they do say we can do installments.

roguebrogue

Just to let you know, just got off the phone with the council and they were fine and I have set up installments for october - march.

Thanks for your support/advice guys

msmicawber

I'm really pleased you've sorted out a deal with them, roguebrogue.

Best wishes.