If you don't pay your Council Tax

Charging Orders

The Council may apply for a Charging Order against property owned by a debtor where Council Tax arrears exceed £1,000.

A Charging Order is more likely to be considered where:

  • Previous payment arrangements have been broken.
  • Employment or benefit details have not been provided.
  • The debtor cannot be contacted.
  • The debtor is not actively engaging with the Council.
  • The debtor, or someone in the household, is vulnerable.

Where approved, the matter will be referred to Legal Services to seek a court order.

Any legal costs incurred will be added to the debt.

Other recovery methods may continue alongside a Charging Order.

The Council may also seek an Order for Sale, which could result in the property being sold and the debt, together with costs, being recovered from the proceeds.