Struggling to Pay Council Tax in Dorset: Payment Plans, Arrears and What Happens Next

Contact Dorset Council Before You Miss a Payment

If you know you are going to struggle with a council tax payment, the single best thing you can do is contact Dorset Council's Revenue Services team before the due date. Call 01305 211970 or email [email protected].

Council tax is billed in 10 monthly instalments by default (April to January). You have a legal right to request that your annual bill be spread across 12 months instead (April to March), lowering each individual payment. This does not reduce the total amount — it just makes each month more manageable.

If 12-month instalments are still too high, ask about a special payment arrangement. Dorset Council can sometimes agree to reduced payments over a longer period, particularly if you can show why your income has dropped and when you expect it to recover.

What Happens If You Fall Behind

The enforcement sequence for unpaid council tax follows a set statutory path:

1. Reminder notice. Dorset Council must issue at least one reminder notice before withdrawing your instalment rights or applying for a liability order, and signpost you to free debt advice. Follow the deadline printed on the notice and contact the council promptly if you cannot pay.

2. Loss of instalment rights. If payments remain overdue after the notice, the council may withdraw your right to pay by instalments and require the remaining balance. Check the notice for the deadline and what you need to do to keep your account up to date.

3. Final notice. The council may issue a notice demanding the remaining balance and apply to the magistrates' court for a liability order if the account remains unpaid. Act by the date shown on the notice.

4. Liability order. A court order that gives the council additional powers to collect the debt. Court costs may be added; check the summons or contact the council for the current amount. The court considers whether the tax is owed, not whether you can afford to pay.

5. Enforcement action. Once the council holds a liability order, it can use several methods, including deductions from earnings or benefits, or referring the debt to enforcement agents (bailiffs).

6. Enforcement agents. Enforcement agents may attend your home to take control of goods to sell. They must follow rules about notice, entry, and goods that are exempt from enforcement. Ask a free debt adviser to explain the notice you receive and your options.

Check Whether You Qualify for Council Tax Reduction

Many people who fall into arrears were entitled to a discount they never claimed. Dorset Council's income-banded Council Tax Reduction scheme can discount your bill by 20% to 100% depending on your household income, and you can backdate a claim by up to 3 months.

If your income has dropped — through redundancy, reduced hours, a new Universal Credit claim, or illness — apply for CTR immediately. Any discount awarded is applied to your account and reduces the outstanding balance.

The Dorset Council Tax Reduction guide walks through the application process and income band calculation step by step.

Section 13A Discretionary Council Tax Discount

If you have already claimed all available discounts and still cannot pay, Dorset Council's Section 13A(1)(c) Discretionary Council Tax Discount can reduce or wipe the remaining balance in cases of genuine exceptional hardship. This is a discretionary measure of last resort — you need to show that all other options are exhausted and that paying would cause severe financial distress.

Apply in writing to [email protected] with a detailed income-and-expenditure statement, bank statements, and evidence of the hardship. If refused, you can request an internal review and, if still dissatisfied, appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for England within 2 months.

Get Free Debt Advice

If you are already in arrears or facing a liability order, get specialist debt advice immediately. These services are completely free and confidential:

• StepChange Debt Charity: 0800 138 1111 | stepchange.org
• National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 | nationaldebtline.org
• Citizens Advice Dorset Adviceline: 0800 144 8848

A debt adviser can negotiate with Dorset Council on your behalf, help you set up a realistic payment plan, and make sure you are claiming every benefit and discount you are entitled to. They deal with council tax debt cases every day and know what arrangements councils will accept.

Do not ignore council tax debt. The process can continue once payments are missed, and later court or enforcement action may add costs. Contact the council or a debt charity before it reaches the enforcement stage.

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