Council tax reminder notice explained

What this kind of letter means

You missed November's council tax payment. Pay £312.40 by 28 November and you keep your monthly plan with nothing else added.

This is a statutory first reminder for a missed council tax instalment. Under the council tax regulations, if you don't pay the arrears within 7 days of the reminder, you lose the right to pay in instalments and the whole year's remaining balance (£1,874.40) becomes due 7 days after that. If that isn't paid, the council can issue a summons and ask the magistrates' court for a liability order, which adds court costs (the amount varies by council; this letter says £70) and lets them use stronger collection methods.

Things worth checking

• Check whether you're eligible for Council Tax Support or a single person discount (25% off if you live alone).
• If you think the instalment was paid, check your bank statement for 1 November before paying twice.

Your options

• Pay the £312.40 now. Quickest fix. You keep paying monthly as before.
• Ask for a new payment plan. Councils will often spread arrears if you contact them before the deadline.
• Apply for a reduction. If your income has dropped, Council Tax Support may cut what you owe.

If you ignore it

You lose your monthly plan, the full £1,874.40 becomes due within 7 days, and the council can take you to the magistrates' court and add £70 in costs. After that they can take money from wages or benefits or use enforcement agents.

What usually decides this

You can fix this completely by paying the one missed instalment on time. Nothing has gone to court yet.

The rules

• After a council tax reminder you usually have 7 days to pay the missed amount. If you don't, you lose the right to pay by instalments and the whole year's bill becomes due.
  England, Wales. Source: GOV.UK: Pay Council Tax arrears
• Councils send a maximum of 2 reminders a year. After that, a final notice asks for the whole year's bill. If it isn't paid, the council can ask the magistrates' court for a liability order, and add court costs.
  England, Wales. Source: GOV.UK: Pay Council Tax arrears
• In Scotland, unpaid council tax goes to a summary warrant from the sheriff court, which adds a 10% penalty, usually without a court hearing.
  Scotland. Source: Glasgow City Council: Non-payment of Council Tax
• If you're the only adult living there, you can usually get 25% off (single person discount). People on a low income or benefits may get Council Tax Reduction. Apply to your council.
  England, Wales, Scotland. Source: GOV.UK: Council Tax Reduction

Rules last checked 13 November 2026.

Words you might see

• Instalment: One of your monthly council tax payments.
• Liability order: A court decision confirming you owe the money, which lets the council use stronger ways to collect it.
• Magistrates' Court: A local court that handles council tax cases. You usually don't need to attend if you pay or agree a plan.

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