Get help if you're struggling to pay your Council Tax

If you're struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, we're here to help.  

Call the Council Tax team straight away, on 020 8921 4147.  

You should not wait for us to call you.

How we can help

When you call us, we can support you to find the best solution for you. We'll ask you about your income and we'll check if you're eligible for Council Tax Support or a discount.  

Based on what you tell us, we may be able to:  

• check if you're eligible for a discount or exemption
• help you set up a Direct Debit to pay your Council Tax - you choose which day of the month you pay (except the 31st)
• spread your payments over 12 months from April to March instead of April to January
• refer you to our Welfare Rights Service
• agree a payment arrangement to help you pay the current year's bill by the end of the financial year in March
• agree a longer payment arrangement if you have Council Tax debt from the last financial year
• reduce your monthly payment amount for a short time in exceptional circumstances

Debt advice

You can get more free advice on money and debt from:

• our Welfare Rights Service
• Money Helper   
• Step Change Debt Charity
• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline

If you do not pay your Council Tax, you could face extra costs and court action. What happens if you do not pay your Council Tax.