How we recover unpaid Council Tax
Final notices
Why you will have received it
If you have not made the payment that the reminder notice was issued for, or you have not paid a second instalment within 7 days of it becoming due, then a Final Notice will be sent to you.
What you need to do
A Final Notice means that you have forfeited the right to pay in instalments and must pay the total amount outstanding for the financial year within the next 7 days.
If you can pay the missed instalments
If you can bring your account up to date (pay the missing instalments) and set up a Direct Debit for future payments, then we may consider reinstating your instalments.
This will only be an option if you have no other outstanding debt and where there has been no history of failed Direct Debits previously.
You can check your account balance or pay your missed payments online.
If you don't pay within 7 days
If you don't pay within 7 days you will be issued a summons.
Disputing a Final Notice
You must always pay your council tax while waiting for a decision on any type of application.
Not receiving a bill or reminder notice is not a valid defence against a summons.
If you have not paid your Council Tax because you cannot afford it, you should check to see if you qualify for a reduction or any other financial help.
Recovery action will continue in the meantime if you do not pay.
If you no longer live at the address listed on the notice, you need to let us know you've moved.
If you have recently set up a Direct Debit, check your online account to see if it has been set up.
You will need to pay any payments shown as outstanding.