Council Tax

[dssssgo]

I got behind with my council tax payments and because I didn't pay them by the requested date it has all been through court. Now they are saying that I have to pay the full amount (�856) over the next 3 months. I have tried talking to them about it and they have just said that there is nothing else that they can do. I can't get a loan because my credit rating is appalling so any ideas on what will happen if I just don't pay it?

[themas]

They can take enforcement action. This could be bailiffs, or - if you are employed - getting an attachment of earnings order. Under this, money would have to be deducted from from pay by your employer and paid over direct to the Council. The amount deducted can be quite high. Ultimately, if the debt is not paid, they can ask magistrates to imprison you (this is very rare) and you still owe the money when you come out.

If you are genuinely unable to afford to pay it over 3 months you need to try and negotiate a longer period - you will have to provide them with a full income & expenditure statement to justify this. It might be best to do this through a free independent service such as the local CAB.

Are you paying money on credit cards, loans etc? If so, these are a lower priority than the council tax and you may have to let them get into arrears to clear the tax bill. Don't forget you must go on paying any current council tax instalments as well as paying off the arrears.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

You should have attended the court - that way you would have been given the chance to get a sensible repayment plan in place. I would advise you start paying regular payments because some payments are better than none at all. You have to show that you are capable of paying regularly.

I wouldnt let payments on your other creditors slip because although I agree with themas that the CTax is a priority it doesnt impact on your credit rating like credit cards and loans do.

Show willing that you are trying to pay and they may stop bailiff action, but be warned the moment you miss a payment they will not hesitate to pass on your account.

[kwicky]

Pay a visit to a Citizens Advice Bureau. They have become expert in these matters over the last few years.