If you do not pay your council tax

Once a debt is with the bailiffs you will need to discuss the debt with them.

Bailiffs will visit your home and fees will be added to the debt.

Bailiffs have a right to peaceful entry to your home and may be looking for property they can seize to clear the debt if you are not able to pay the debt.

We may consider taking the debt back from bailiffs if we have evidence that you are vulnerable. When considering vulnerability we use the following two points:-

1. Does the persons physical or mental disability or understanding of the English language mean they cannot defend themselves and if so we would try to sign post them to the appropriate help
2. They understand the proceedings but there are extenuating circumstances

If you are a tenant, the bailiffs cannot remove goods belonging to your landlord but proof of ownership will need to be supplied.

What the bailiff is allowed to do:

The liability order gives bailiffs the power to remove goods to the value of the debt, including their fees.

They cannot force entry unless they have a signed levy.

They cannot take your goods without the council's consent if you are in what we consider to be a vulnerable category which includes:-

For each visit (an extra fee if they visit with a van for removal of goods) Fees

For levying distress

For removal and storage of goods whilst waiting for sale

Value of item at request of debtor

Expenses from auction

Where no sale takes place

If you default on an arrangement

Card payments

What happens if the bailiffs can't collect the money?

If bailiffs return your case to the council because they have not been able to collect the debt and you have insufficient goods to sell to clear the debt then the council can take you back to the Magistrates Court. At this hearing, there will be a means enquiry, where you would have to show why you have not paid your Council Tax. If the court is satisfied that your failure to pay was a result of your willful refusal or culpable neglect, you could be sent to prison for up to three months.

The Magistrates could:

Make a court order against you to pay an amount set by order of the court

Order the council to remit part of all of the Council Tax owed

Issue a warrant for your arrest

Send you to prison