help! should I delay my council tax payment

reallylost

Thanks sugarpants
The food budget included fags so the food is not the problem. I do all homemade stuff and buy the own brands all the time.
If I could quit smoking (and OH) we would be quids in but it aint easy

angelavdavis

Why don't you and OH visit your GP and see what support he can give you to help you give up? Also, some people switch to rollups to reduce the outgoings.

skylight

I too live outside London in Berkshire (!) and agree with the stupid horrendous prices - a bit OT, but its assumed that all "southerners" are wealthy!

Anyway, back to the point - I think you should give your council Tax dept a quick call. As they have already agreed with you a payment plan then they may not take to well an amendment to that - but as with everyone they prefer to get the money than no money! Just ensure that you pay when you say you will and next payment is not late!

bev79

If you could get your bits for £50 you could pay half of your c tax this week and the rest in a week?
btw I have given up smoking using champix, it is quite scientific but basically makes your fags taste gross and does go a really long way in reducing your cravings as well. I cut down to 5 a day from 15 in about 2 weeks, then about 2 weeks later gave up altogether.

viktory

bev79 wrote: »

If you could get your bits for £50 you could pay half of your c tax this week and the rest in a week?
btw I have given up smoking using champix, it is quite scientific but basically makes your fags taste gross and does go a really long way in reducing your cravings as well. I cut down to 5 a day from 15 in about 2 weeks, then about 2 weeks later gave up altogether.

BIG congratulations on giving up, Bev, but I read a scary article in the paper yesterday about this drug. Apparently, it is linked to a very high number of suicides. Link here and here . Very reminiscent of the problems with Zyban ( and another link ) so be careful. Consider trying Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking - a brilliant book that has worked for loads of people.

Burlesque_Babe

hi - not sure if you have called the CT dept yet. Many moons ago (when it first started), I worked in the local CT office dealing with recovery.

The legislation then (I can't see it being much different now) is that in any 1 financial year, you are allowed to be late with 2 separate monthly instalments. If you are then late on a 3rd monthly instalment in that financial year (or you haven't brought either of the other 2 up to date or you just ignore the situation) you will be issued with a 'red' reminder which will say the whole amount for the rest of the year is now payable. If you call and bring the account back up to date and you aren't late with another payment all year (important) you will be fine. Be late with a fourth and you will get a summons which leads to a liability order.

Sooo, to cut a long waffle short, it depends where you are in this 'system' as to how likely you are to get a slap on the wrist for paying late. If you have had your red reminder, then try to pay as a summons and liability order will incur costs.

If you've only been late once or twice (and your council will be able to tell you) if you give them a tinkle then you'll be fine

reallylost

Hi everyone who helped me out with this one.
Just an update.
I phoned the CT office and they were willing to take half now half by the end of the month.
Then Lo and behold my work put £170 into my account as my final pay for being off on maternity leave.
So I have paid all mt CT and got shopping and have spare money!!!!!!!
I have put this out of the way and will start putting spare money into it each week to build up an emergency/pay off debts fund.
Thanks for all your help.
PS I have cut down on the smoking by half by only having half a fag instead of a full one every time. I get my fix but dont OD.
thanks again
Sam

skylight

Just when you think all is lost, something turns up (well, most of the time!)

Glad that the council were happy to help, and glad you got it sorted anyway!

skintbutsmiling01

viktory wrote: »

BIG congratulations on giving up, Bev, but I read a scary article in the paper yesterday about this drug. Apparently, it is linked to a very high number of suicides. Link here and here . Very reminiscent of the problems with Zyban ( and another link ) so be careful. Consider trying Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking - a brilliant book that has worked for loads of people.

Hiya
i read these as well and must admit the first couple of weeks I did feel sick and weepy but ohg and couple of good friends know I'm taking them and if I do start to feel sad/depressed I will know its down to champix. I have just bought the neil casey book "the nicotine trick" which some people have found more effective so I will give that a go as well.

skintbutsmiling01

Sam well done I'm really pleased for you. Good on you for taking the steps to sort it out and not just burying your head !!