Council Tax
What Happens if I Don't Pay?
If you get into payment difficulties and you can't afford your instalments, contact us immediately to see if we can help you.
Remember that paying by direct debit ensures that your payments are made on time every month. With this method you also have a choice of payment dates.
If you pay late we will send you a reminder or final notice.
We normally send only one reminder. If you do not pay a reminder you will lose your right to pay by instalments. You must then pay the full amount due until the end of the year.
If you still do not pay, we will send you a summons to appear in the magistrates court and charge you costs.
If the court decides you are responsible for paying and you have not paid in full, they can issue a liability order. This means that we can collect the money by:
- deductions from your Income Support, JobSeekers Allowance or from your wages;
- asking our bailiffs to collect the debt by removing and selling some of your possessions (this will also result in you having to pay bailiff fees);
- commencing insolvency proceedings through the County Court; or
- applying to the County Court for a charging order on your property that enables us to claim unpaid Council Tax out of the proceeds of any future sale. This will also result in you paying additional fees.
If you still do not pay we can return to court. The court may order you to pay, and if you don't, you may be sent to prison.
For further information please contact the Council Tax office on Tel: 01329 824651, or e-mail counciltax@fareham.gov.uk.
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