can you pay council tax over 12 months?

Zygorf_2

In Scotland (possibly the rest of the UK but I am not sure) the option to pay over 12 months is optional for the council.

Under the regulations in Scotland, the council tax bill must be payable in no more than ten monthly instalments unless alternate arrangements are agreed by the council.

I know that our council allows payments to be made over 12 months so long as you are paying by Direct Debit. Really all councils should now offer the option to pay over 12 months as part of their modernising agenda but I'm sure some council don't offer this for whatever reason.

CIS

If you contact your council they cannot refuse to let you pay over 12 months(as the bill applies to a 12 month period) and you can pay at the council offices with cash if neede

Unfortunately not quite right - the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement ) Regs 1992 only forces councils to allow a maximum 10 payments - anything more is at the council's discretion. - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1992/Uksi_19920613_en_9.htm#sdiv1

sassybooboos

having worked for the recovery and billing section for the council tax office.

if you were to get behind with a payment ie receive a reminder then we would agree to spread the cost over 12 mths as long as ddebit was set up.

very unfair on people who pay theirs on time but that was the way it was done.

Lorne

Think it depends on how skint the council is. My council say no 10 months is maximum but the council I work for 2 miles away says that 12 months is fine. It is worth checking out with them

Susanjane_2

We've just had our council tax bill through and it says you can choose to pay over 10 or 12 months and gives you a choice of four dates.

margaretclare

Yes, this is what we do.

Your local council should have a website, or phone them.

We pay all household bills by monthly direct debit, we find it's easier.

Margaret

barshamhillbilly

Over the last year I canceled my direct debit and just paid the equivalent weekly amount every friday on a standing order. The only time they queried it was when the 10 months was up and I just paid the last little bit in one go. I didn't ask - I just did it. I thought they were getting their money so what have they to complain about.
I just found it easier to budget that way. Don't know if all councils would let you get away with that though??

keith99_2

bertiebots wrote: »

Our council tax is so high they only send us the bill with 12 monthly payments now :mad: ...it used to be 10 so you had a little break. I think they started doing this to soften the blow:eek: !!
If you contact your council they cannot refuse to let you pay over 12 months(as the bill applies to a 12 month period) and you can pay at the council offices with cash if needed:D .

My council (Eastbourne) DID refuse. Only today i got a letter saying so after i emailed a reauest to pay in 12 instalments. It reads 'unfortunately we are unable to extend the payment schedule over 12 months'.
I told them i have financial problems and need help, but clearly they are not interested.
You get treated better by not paying. I am up front with them and get this.
Its outrageous that with how much it is now, you arent automatically allowed to pay 12 months charges over 12 month.

T._x

My mother works for Aberdeenshire Council and they were all sent letters/internal memos advising not to shift anyone to 12 monthly instalments for the next couple of months, basically irrespective of circumstances. They will however start doing it again from April/May

Zygorf wrote: »

Under the regulations in Scotland, the council tax bill must be payable in no more than ten monthly instalments unless alternate arrangements are agreed by the council.

I know that our council allows payments to be made over 12 months so long as you are paying by Direct Debit. Really all councils should now offer the option to pay over 12 months as part of their modernising agenda but I'm sure some council don't offer this for whatever reason.

mpg

A friend of mine asked his council they said NO has to be ten months he said I`m setting up a DD to pay over 12 months If you dont like it Ill see you in court. We will see what a judge has to say about me offering to pay you but you declining it.

Anyhow that was some years ago now.
And he pays over 12 months