Frequently asked questions
If you’re worried about paying your Council Tax, you’re not alone. Missing a payment can feel stressful, but we’re here to help. This page tells you what happens if you miss a payment, what letters we may send you, and what you can do to stop things getting worse.
What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is money you pay to the council. It helps pay for local services like waste and recycling, schools and social care.
You must pay it even if you are unhappy with a council service.
I’ve missed a Council Tax payment – what should I do?
Make a payment as soon as you can.
Do not ignore letters or reminders. Use the link below to make an online payment:
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, we will usually contact you in stages:
- Reminder notice
- Summons
- Liability order
Each step can add extra costs, so it’s best to act early.
What is a reminder notice?
You will receive a reminder if you miss a payment.
- You will usually have 7 days to bring your account up to date
- If you do not pay in time, you may lose the right to pay by instalments
- You may then need to pay the full year’s Council Tax at once
If you cannot pay within 7 days, contact us straight away.
What is a summons?
If you do not pay after a reminder, we may send you a summons.
A summons:
- Tells you how much you owe
- Gives a court hearing date
- Adds extra costs to your bill
You do not need to attend court if you agree you owe the money.
You must pay the summons costs and agree a payment plan with the Council Tax team before the court date.
Contact us on 01495 363900
What is a liability order?
A liability order is a legal decision made by the Magistrates’ Court. It allows the council to take further action to recover the debt. Extra costs can be added at this stage.
What action can the council take after a liability order?
Once a liability order is in place, we may use one or more of the following:
Enforcement agents (Bailiffs)
They may:
- Collect the debt
- Remove goods to cover what you owe
This can add significant extra charges.
Attachment of earnings
We can ask your employer to take money directly from your wages. Your employer must do this by law. The amount taken from your pay depends on your earnings. The government sets the rates and tells your employer.
Deductions from benefits
We can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to take money from certain benefits to pay your Council Tax.
I’m struggling to pay – can I get help?
Yes. If you’re finding it hard to pay:
- Contact us as soon as possible on 01495 363900
- Email us at Recovery.bgcbc@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
- We can talk through your options
- Help may be available depending on your situation
Ignoring the problem will limit the help we can offer.
How can I avoid recovery action?
You can reduce the risk by:
- Paying on time
- Setting up a Direct Debit or Standing Order payment
- Contacting us early if your circumstances change
Getting in touch early gives you the best chance of avoiding extra costs.
Making a payment
Contact Us
To prevent any of the above actions being taken, please ensure that your council tax is paid on time. If you are behind with your payments, please let us know immediately.
There are also a number of debt advice organisations you can speak to if you are having problems with debt.
Benefit Calculators (Find out what benefits you could get and how to claim)
Council Tax Reduction
If you are on a low income you may be entitled to a Council Tax Reduction. See our Council Tax reduction page for more information.