Wigan Council Tax Arrears: Free Debt Help, Liability Orders and Where to Get Advice

If You're Falling Behind

Council Tax arrears escalate faster than almost any other household debt. Wigan Council's collections framework uses early intervention through correspondence, income and expenditure reviews, and referrals to internal welfare support or independent debt advice before it seeks a court summons or liability order. Contact the council promptly if you are falling behind.

This post does not provide debt advice — it points you to the free, expert services that do. If you're facing arrears, court summons, or enforcement agents, contact one of the services below before doing anything else.

How Wigan's Collections Process Can Progress

Wigan Council may use the following steps when Council Tax falls into arrears:

1. Early intervention: The council may send correspondence, review your income and expenditure, or refer you to welfare support or independent debt advice.
2. Court action: If arrears remain, the council may seek a court summons and liability order. Read any notice carefully for the deadline and any costs that apply to your account.

The timing can vary, so follow the dates on your own notices.

What a Liability Order Means

A liability order is a court order confirming that Council Tax is owed. If you receive a summons or are concerned about enforcement, contact a free debt advice service promptly. The options available depend on your circumstances.

Free Help: Where to Go

Citizens Advice Wigan Borough provides free, independent advice on Council Tax debt, benefit claims, and enforcement:

• Freephone: 0808 2787 801 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• Wigan drop-in: Wigan Life Centre North, College Street, WN1 1NH (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm)
• Leigh drop-in: Magnum House, Leigh, WN7 1BY (Monday to Thursday, 10am to 1pm)
• Specialist debt drop-in: Wigan Life Centre, Fridays, 9:30am to 1pm

Citizens Advice can check whether you're receiving all the benefits and discounts you're entitled to, help you challenge incorrect bills, and negotiate with the council on your behalf.

StepChange Debt Charity specialises in structured debt management plans:

• Freephone: 0800 138 1111
• Website: stepchange.org
• Can set up debt management plans and apply for Breathing Space on your behalf

National Debtline provides free telephone debt advice:

• Freephone: 0808 808 4000
• Website: nationaldebtline.org

MoneyHelper offers government-backed financial guidance and can connect you with regulated debt advisers.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Apply for Council Tax Reduction if you haven't already. Even if you're in arrears, receiving CTR reduces your current-year bill and prevents the debt from growing. Apply at wigan.gov.uk.
2. Check for other discounts. The Single Person Discount (25% off if you're the only adult), Disabled Band Reduction, and Severe Mental Impairment exemption all reduce the base charge. Many people in arrears are missing discounts they're entitled to.
3. Contact Wigan Council about payment arrangements. Ask to spread the current year's payments over 12 months instead of 10. If you already have arrears, speak with the council or a free debt adviser about your options.
4. Call one of the free services above. Don't try to negotiate with enforcement agents or respond to court summonses without advice. These services deal with council tax debt every day and know what Wigan Council will and won't agree to.

The Wigan Council Tax Reduction guide covers the CTR claim process and Section 13A hardship fund — both of which can reduce your liability going forward. For the arrears themselves, the free services above are your best resource.

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