Council Tax is a priority debt you must pay, as the consequences of falling behind can be worse than with other debts. If you’re worried about paying it, it’s important to have a plan.

What help is available?

Every council has a scheme to help you manage your payments so contact your local council as soon as possible. If you wait until you’ve missed payments, it might limit the help they can offer you.

• In England and Wales, find your local council on the GOV.UK
• In Scotland, find your local council on the mygov.scot website
• In Northern Ireland, find your local council on the nidirect website

When you contact them, explain your situation and see if it’s possible to work out a new payment plan before you fall behind. 

Here are some examples of support that might be offered:

• flexible payment plans – for example, you can ask to spread payments over 12 months instead of 10 months, meaning you’ll make smaller payments each month
• Council Tax or Rates break – for example, if you ask to pay in 10 monthly instalments, you can have a break in your bill in the months of February and March
• Council Tax reductions, Rates Relief or Rates Rebate if you’re on benefits or on a low income
• Council Tax or Rates discounts if you live alone or are the only adult in the household.

Make sure you’ve claimed everything you’re entitled to

If you’ve had an income shock, you could be entitled to government support. If you’re struggling financially, it’s important that you claim any extra help you can.

What happens if my financial situation gets worse?

Even if your finances are on track now, your income could change. Perhaps you’re self-employed and have a fluctuating income. This might mean an uncertain future.

You might need to review your finances so that you can cover your repayments. It’s useful to make a budget. If you have a little more going out than coming in, you may be able to rework how you’re spending your money.

Next steps if you have missed a payment

If you’ve already missed a Council Tax payment, this means you’re in ‘arrears’. Contact your council as soon as possible to let them know that your income has changed, and that you’re struggling to cover your bills.

As well as coming to an arrangement on the money you owe them, you should also talk about future bills – especially if you think you might struggle to pay them. Make a budget, work out what money you have left after it, and ask the council for help.

When to get debt advice

If you’ve missed a payment, think you’re going to miss a payment or are juggling other debts and feel you need debt advice it’s important you pay them off in the right order as some are more urgent and some lenders have more power than others.

Extra support if you’re struggling financially and with your mental wellbeing

Having mental health issues might mean that you struggle to make the best money-based decisions for you, as well as act on them.Remember, if you’re struggling financially and with your mental wellbeing, it’s worth getting in contact with your bank, building society, lender or whoever you owe money to, to discuss your options. However, picking up the phone and talking about your problems is often easier said than done when you’re struggling with your mental health.

Most places that you owe money to have policies about supporting you if you’re vulnerable. But they can’t help you unless you ask.