Council Tax Debt and Arrears Help in East Riding of Yorkshire

Falling behind on council tax in East Riding of Yorkshire can lead to recovery action. The council follows a statutory process, but at every stage you can ask what options remain and contact it about the account.

How Council Tax Arrears Escalate in East Riding

East Riding of Yorkshire Council may take these recovery steps when council tax goes unpaid. Follow the dates and instructions on each notice:

1. Reminder or final notice — the council may send these before applying for a liability order. Check the notice for the amount due and the deadline.
2. Liability order — the council may apply to the Magistrates' Court for an order. Once granted, it can use statutory recovery methods, including deductions from earnings or benefits, or referral to enforcement agents (bailiffs).
3. Enforcement agent action — if the debt is referred, agents may contact you and visit your property. East Riding's current guidance lists a £79 compliance fee per liability order if you do not respond and a further £247 enforcement fee if an agent has to visit; additional fees may apply at the sale or disposal stage. These fees are regulated by the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, as amended.

How quickly recovery progresses depends on the case and the notices issued. Act promptly and keep copies of what you send.

Setting Up a Payment Plan

If you cannot pay the amount shown on a notice, contact East Riding Council before the debt is passed to an enforcement agent:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (01482) 393939

Ask whether the council can agree a manageable payment arrangement. If the debt has been passed to an enforcement agent, contact the agent using the details in their notice; the agent decides whether to accept a repayment plan.

You can ask the council about payment options as soon as you receive a reminder or final notice.

Penalty Charges and the 21-Day Review Form

East Riding Council issues periodic review forms to verify ongoing Council Tax Support entitlement. If you receive one, you have exactly 21 days to complete and return it with updated proof of income, savings, and household composition.

Missing the 21-day deadline triggers automatic cancellation of your Council Tax Reduction. The full unreduced bill is reinstated, and the difference between what you were paying and the full charge is added to your account as arrears. A penalty charge may also apply.

If your review form arrived late, was lost in the post, or you had a genuine reason for missing the deadline, contact the council immediately, explain in writing, and ask it to review your case. Keep a copy of your explanation and any supporting documents.

When to Get Free Debt Advice

If you have received a liability order, are facing enforcement agent action, or have multiple debts alongside council tax arrears, get specialist help before making any payment arrangements. Free, regulated debt advice is available from:

• East Riding Your Money Team — (01482) 394633 / [email protected] — the council's own benefits and debt support unit
• Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding — 0808 278 7981 (freephone, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) — independent advice, debt casework, and tribunal representation
• StepChange Debt Charity — 0800 138 1111 — national charity offering free debt management plans
• National Debtline — 0808 808 4000 — free telephone advice on priority debts including council tax

Council tax is a priority debt, meaning it is collected ahead of most other obligations. A debt adviser can help you structure payments so council tax arrears are addressed first, and can negotiate with the council on your behalf.

This guide does not provide debt advice. If enforcement action is already underway, the organisations above should be your first call — not a paid product.

Reducing Future Liability

If your income has dropped or your circumstances have changed since your council tax bill was set, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction in East Riding. Working-age residents with net weekly income below the scheme's thresholds and savings under £6,000 can receive between 25% and 80% off their bill. Claiming Council Tax Reduction does not clear existing arrears, but it lowers the ongoing charge, making repayment plans more manageable.

If you are already receiving the maximum 80% reduction but still cannot afford the remaining 20%, the Exceptional Hardship Fund provides discretionary top-up relief for households in severe financial difficulty.

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