Council tax payment arrangements
An arrangement is possible at almost every stage of council tax recovery. Who you agree it with, and what it needs to cover, changes as the debt moves along.
Applies to: England & Wales
What to do now
- Work out an affordable figure with the budget calculator.
- Put your offer in writing with the council tax arrangement letter.
- Keep a record of every payment and conversation in the contact log.
Who to deal with at each stage
| Stage | Who to contact | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder or final notice | The council | To keep or restore your instalments, or a revised plan |
| Summons | The council, before the hearing | An arrangement; the costs already added are usually included |
| Liability order made | The council | An arrangement instead of enforcement agents, deductions from earnings or benefits |
| With enforcement agents | The agent, and the council | An affordable plan with the agent, or for the council to take the case back |
What a workable offer looks like
Councils generally want the current year’s instalments paid as they fall due, plus a regular amount off the arrears. If you cannot afford that, say so and show why. Offers backed by an income and expenditure statement in the Standard Financial Statement format are easier for a council to accept, and many councils use it. Include any change you are asking for — a different payment date to match your wages or benefits, weekly or fortnightly payments, or spreading the year over 12 months instead of 10.
Check the bill before you offer
An arrangement should be for the right amount. Check Council Tax Reduction, discounts and exemptions first — can’t afford council tax — and whether the bill is yours at all — not my council tax debt. In real hardship you can ask for a section 13A reduction alongside the arrangement.
In Wales
All Welsh councils signed the Council Tax Protocol for Wales in 2019, and the Welsh Government’s collection framework of April 2026 adds to it. It says councils should look at your whole financial situation, may use the Standard Financial Statement, can reduce repayments where you clearly cannot pay in full, should use enforcement agents only after other options such as payment plans and benefit checks, and should not run two attachments of earnings at once for someone identified as vulnerable.
Changes announced in England
The government has announced reforms to council tax collection in England, including more notices before you lose the right to pay by instalments and a cap on liability order costs. As of October 2026 these still need regulations, so the current rules apply. The current reminder rules.
If an arrangement breaks down
Contact the council or agent before you miss a payment, not after. Explain what changed and offer a new amount. A missed payment without contact can lead to enforcement resuming without further warning, and with agents, further fees.
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Can I set up a council tax payment plan after a liability order?
Yes. Councils can agree an arrangement at any stage. Keeping to it normally holds off enforcement agents and deductions.
What will the council accept as a payment arrangement?
Usually the current year's instalments plus a regular amount towards the arrears. If you cannot afford that, show why with a full budget, ideally in the Standard Financial Statement format.
Can I make an arrangement with council tax bailiffs?
Yes. Once enforcement agents have the debt you can agree a plan with them. You can also ask the council to take the case back, particularly if you are vulnerable.