If I Don't Pay My Council Tax, Will They Reposses My House?

Non-payment of council tax shouldn't lead to your house being repossessed. However there are a number of penalties the council can impose for non-payment and ultimately your house could be affected financially.

If you don't pay your council tax on time you will receive a reminder. If you persist in not paying it then your council can apply to a Magistrate's Court for a summons to be served on you. If you still don't pay, the council can ask the court to grant a liability order under which it may enforce payment via direct deduction from your wages or benefits. It can also refer the debt to a bailiff, who will have powers to remove and sell goods belonging you to clear the debt. Ultimately your council does have the power to make you bankrupt and also to place a charging order on your house, meaning you may have to pay your council tax debt through the sale of your house or the proceeds of a future sale. Occasionally people who refuse to pay have received short prison terms.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your council tax you can seek advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

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