If you do not pay an instalment of your council tax we will send a reminder. This gives you seven days to bring the instalment up to date.
If you still do not pay the instalment, we will request a summons from the Magistrates' Court and add extra costs (currently £55) to the account.
If you pay the instalment but then miss another instalment, we will issue a second reminder.
If you pay this but then miss a third instalment, we will issue a final notice. You will also lose the right to pay by instalments and will have to pay the whole year's bill.
We will not issue any more than two reminders in each financial year.
If we issue a final notice, you must pay the debt in full immediately. If you fail to pay, we will request a summons.
(Regulation 23 of the Council Tax (Administration & Enforcement Regulations 1992)).
To avoid the above action you must pay your council tax when it is due. If you are unable to pay your council tax when it is due you must contact the section immediately.
Please note: Even if you are appealing against your council tax you must continue to pay the instalments until a decision has been reached.
If you are in financial difficulties due to low income you may be entitled to council tax benefit or housing benefit - please apply as soon as possible.
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