The Council tax helps fund essential services in your area.
You must pay your council tax on time. However, unexpected circumstances can sometimes lead to arrears.
Suppose you fall behind on your council tax payments. In that case, your local authority may eventually use bailiffs to collect the debt, which can be a stressful experience, and one common thing many people would like to know is how many times a bailiff can visit to collect the council tax.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Council Tax?
If you miss council tax payments, your local council will likely follow a specific procedure to recover the debt.
The council will initially send you reminder letters informing you of the outstanding balance and the potential consequences of non-payment.
If you ignore the reminder letters, the council may file a liability order to the court. Again, this grants them legal permission to recover the debt.
You’ll receive a final demand letter outlining the total amount owed, including any court fees and potential enforcement action.
If you still haven’t paid after receiving the final demand, the council can instruct bailiffs to collect the debt.
Bailiffs are certified enforcement agents with the legal authority to seize and sell your belongings to recover the owed amount.
What are bailiffs, and what is their role in council tax collection?
Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are legally authorized individuals who can collect unpaid debts.
Regarding the council tax, your local authority can instruct bailiffs to recover any outstanding council tax payments.
Bailiffs have the power to take various actions to collect the debt, including:
- Seizing and selling your non-essential belongings to pay off the debt
- Restricting your ability to sell your car
- Taking money directly from your earnings
You must note that bailiffs can only act within the boundaries of the law.
They cannot force entry into your home unless a court warrant explicitly permits them.
When can bailiffs visit for council tax arrears?
Bailiffs won’t be your local authority’s first resort for collecting council tax arrears.
The process typically follows a specific sequence:
- Reminders and warning
- Court summons
- Liability order
Once a liability order is in place, bailiffs can be instructed to visit your home to collect the outstanding council tax and any additional fees and court costs that have accrued.
How many times can a bailiff visit for council tax?
There’s no legal limit on how often a bailiff can visit your property to collect council tax.
Their primary objective is to recover the debt, and they will likely make repeated visits if they cannot do so on their initial visit.
Here’s what you can expect during a bailiff visit:
- Bailiffs can visit your home between 6 am and 9 pm. They can only see outside these hours if they have a special court warrant or are dealing with a business that operates outside these times.
- Bailiffs will identify themselves and explain their purpose. They should show you their identification badge and a copy of the liability order.
- Bailiffs will try to gain entry to your property. They can only enter with your permission or a court warrant for forced entry.
If you’re not home when the bailiffs visit, they will leave a notice informing you of their visit and how to contact them.
What are your rights when dealing with bailiffs?
While bailiffs can collect council tax arrears, you also have certain rights when dealing with them.
These are some essential things you must remember:
- You have the right to ask for identification: Always request to see the bailiff’s identification badge and a copy of the liability order.
- You don’t have to let bailiffs into your home: Unless they have a court warrant for forced entry, you can refuse to let them in.
- You can request a payment plan: Bailiffs should be willing to discuss a payment plan that is affordable for you.
- You can complain if bailiffs misbehave: If you feel a bailiff has behaved unprofessionally or exceeded their powers, you can complain to the Certification Authority.
It’s essential to remain calm and polite when dealing with bailiffs.
What Should You Do If a Bailiff Visits Your Home?
If a bailiff visits your home to collect council tax arrears, staying calm and understanding your rights is essential.
Here’s what you should do:
- Ask for identification: Make sure the bailiff identifies themselves and shows you their warrant.
- Explain your situation: Be honest and explain your financial difficulties. The bailiff may be willing to work with you to arrange a payment plan.
- Don’t panic: While a bailiff visit can be stressful, you must remain calm and avoid confrontation.
Can You Stop a Bailiff From Taking Your Belongings?
There are a few ways you can prevent a bailiff from seizing your belongings:
- Pay the outstanding amount: The most straightforward way to stop a bailiff is to pay the council tax debt in full, including any court fees and bailiff charges.
- Agree on a payment plan: You can negotiate a repayment plan with the bailiff or your local council, allowing you to spread the cost of the debt over a manageable period.
- Claim exemption: Certain items are exempt from seizure by bailiffs, such as essential household goods, clothing, and bedding. You can find a list of exempt goods on the government website:https://www.gov.uk/your-rights-bailiffs.
What Happens If a Bailiff Takes Your Belongings?
If a bailiff removes your belongings, they’ll usually be stored securely.
You can reclaim them by paying the council tax debt in full, including all associated costs.
There may also be storage fees to consider.
What Other Options Are Available If You Can’t Afford Your Council Tax?
If you’re struggling to pay your council tax, resources are available to help.
Here are some options I suggest that you consider:
- Contact your local council: Your local council may offer support schemes or discounts to help you manage your council tax payments.
- Seek debt advice: Several debt advice charities in the UK can offer free and confidential guidance on managing your finances and dealing with council tax arrears.
- Apply for benefits: You may be eligible for benefits that help with council tax payments. These include Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit.
