Final notice
If you don't pay on time for the third time in any financial year (April to March), we'll send you a final notice.
Keep your payments on track - view your council tax bills and payments online. To do this, you will need to register for an account with us. Registration is quick and easy, you can even sign in via Facebook!
Why have I received a final notice and how do I pay?
If you receive a final notice, you will need to pay the full amount owed for the whole year, unless you choose to set up a direct debit. You need to do this within 7 days of the date on your final notice to avoid further recovery action.
You need to make sure that you pay your bill in plenty of time, as payments take a minimum of 24 hours to reach your council tax account.
How to pay
You can also make payment using all major credit and debit cards by phoning our 24 hour automated payment line 0345 605 3016.
Direct Debit
To avoid further recovery action in the future, you might wish to set up a Direct Debit. Paying by Direct Debit is the easiest and most secure way of paying your council tax bill. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 15th or 30th of each month, over 10 or 12 instalments dependant on the number of months remaining in the financial year.
Can I make an arrangement to pay?
We do not offer payment arrangements once a final notice has been issued, unless you choose to set up a direct debit.
Direct Debit
Setting up a direct debit is the only way to continue paying by instalments once a final notice has been issued. This is classed as a 'special arrangement', and a letter will be sent to you to confirm that the direct debit is in place. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 15th or 30th of each month, and spread the instalments over the remainder of the financial year.
Contacting us
If you have exceptional circumstances, and need to contact our recovery team, get in touch with us using the contact form below.
What happens if I have an outstanding claim for council tax benefit?
I have an outstanding appeal with the Valuation Office, do I still need to pay?
Should your appeal be successful, your account will be adjusted and any overpaid council tax will be refunded. The Valuation Office will let us know the outcome of your appeal so that we can make the relevant adjustments for you.
If you have any banding enquiries, you need to contact the Valuation Office. We do not have the authority to change council tax bands.
I am unable to make a council tax payment, what should I do?
As stated on your final notice, you need to pay the full balance within 7 days of the date on the letter.
Setting up a direct debit
Setting up a direct debit is the only way to continue paying by instalments once a final notice has been issued. This is classed as a 'special arrangement', and a letter will be sent to you to confirm this.
Help to pay your council tax
If you are on a low income, or receiving certain benefits, you may be entitled to claim Council Tax Reduction. To find out if you are eligible, go to our calculator below.
Some people may be exempt from paying council tax, or may be entitled to certain discounts.
Read more about discounts and exemptions.
It is important to remember that you must continue to pay your instalments until any decisions on benefits, reductions or discounts are made.
Help managing debt
If you need help managing your debts, you can contact Citizens Advice. The number to call is 03444 111 444.
Debt advice is also available on the Citizens Advice website.
The National Debt Advice Line is also available https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
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