It's important to make payments towards your council tax bill on or before the date they are due. If you don't, you could end up paying a penalty charge.

If we do not receive your payment when it is due, we will send you a reminder notice that will give details of the amount you have to pay and when you need to pay it. If you do not make the payment as set out on the notice, you will lose the right to pay by instalments. You will then have to pay the amount you owe us for the rest of the year.

If you fail to pay your council tax bill, we will add a 10% charge to the amount due and take legal action to recover what you owe us. Further action to recover debt can include:

• arresting your bank or building society account
• arresting your wages
• taking deductions from your benefits
• petitioning the court for sequestration which could mean your house is repossessed

If you are having problems making your payments

If you have a problem paying your council tax, contact your local council tax office as soon as possible.

We can help you by reviewing your circumstances to make sure you are receiving all the benefits, discounts or reductions you may be entitled to. If the total amount you owe us does not change as a result of any extra benefits you are claiming, we will work with you to arrange a way of making the payments. This will be based on your own personal circumstances.

Remember, if you are having problems or think you may have a problem with your next payment, contact us as soon as possible.

If you fall behind with your payments

If you have missed any of your payments, please phone your local council tax office as soon as possible. We are here to help you, whatever your reasons for not paying.

Remember, if you do fall behind with your payments, we will send a Reminder notice to you asking you to bring your payments up to date within seven days. If you do not pay within seven days, you may lose the right to pay by instalments, and you will have to pay the full amount you owe for that year within 14 days.

Please remember that if we do not know you are having problems paying, we cannot help you and instead may be forced to take action to recover the amount you owe us.

Money Advice Service

If you are experiencing severe financial difficulties, please visit our Money advice service for help and advice.