★★★★★ Rated 4.9 on Feefo  ·  Licensed Insolvency Practitioners
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–4pm   Call 0161 820 1298

Struggling with council tax debt? We can help you take back control.

Falling behind on council tax can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to face it alone. Our friendly, experienced advisors give confidential help with council tax debt every day.

Checking your options won't affect your credit score. A debt solution such as an IVA may not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees may apply and your credit rating may be affected. For free, impartial advice you can also visit Money Helper.

★★★★★ 4.9 on Feefo from verified clients
Licensed Insolvency Practitioners (IPA)
Thousands helped across the UK
100% confidential & judgement-free
About us

Not just another debt company

We know that talking about debt is hard. That's why our advisors take the time to listen — without judgement — and explain your options in plain English. Our insolvency practitioners are licensed by the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA).

Help

Practical support to deal with arrears, bailiffs and council enforcement — quickly.

Listen

Your situation is unique. We listen first, then talk you through what's possible.

Understand

No jargon, no judgement. Just clear explanations of what each option means for you.

Resolve

A lasting plan — not a quick fix — so the letters, calls and knocks at the door stop.

How we help

Help with council tax debt, whatever stage you're at

Whether you've just missed a payment or bailiffs are already knocking, we act quickly to protect you from enforcement and find a lasting solution.

Reduce your bill

Council Tax Support & Discounts

Single-person discounts, disability reductions, Council Tax Support schemes and exemptions you may be entitled to claim.

Learn more →
Repay affordably

Debt Repayment Support

Affordable payment plans negotiated with your council or their enforcement agents — based on what you can actually afford.

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Extra help

Benefits & Hardship Grants

Support to access Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, hardship schemes and the Household Support Fund.

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Urgent help

Bailiff & Enforcement Help

Know your rights, stop bailiff action and protect your home and belongings from enforcement agents.

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Debt solutions

Solutions that can deal with council tax debt

Council tax arrears can be included in formal debt solutions. Depending on your circumstances, one of these options could reduce your payments — or write off what you can't afford.

Debts over £7,000

IVA

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement combines debts, including council tax arrears, into one affordable monthly payment. After the IVA (typically 5 years), remaining qualifying debt is legally written off.

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Debts over £2,000

Debt Management Plan

An informal agreement to repay debts at an affordable rate. Flexible, but interest isn't always frozen and it can take longer to become debt-free.

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Debts under £50,000

Debt Relief Order

A low-cost option if you have little spare income and don't own your home. Council tax arrears can be included, and debts are written off after 12 months.

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Last resort

Bankruptcy

A formal insolvency that writes off unaffordable debts, including council tax. It has serious implications, so it's usually considered a last resort.

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What happens if you don't act

Council tax debt doesn't go away on its own

Council tax is a priority debt. Councils have strong collection powers, and enforcement escalates quickly — which is why it's so important to get help early.

Court summons

Miss payments and the council can apply to the magistrates' court for a liability order — often within weeks.

What is a liability order? →

Bailiff action

Councils can send enforcement agents to your home to recover the debt, adding hundreds of pounds in fees.

How to stop bailiffs →

Wage deductions

The council can take money directly from your earnings or benefits through an attachment of earnings order.

Stop wage deductions →

Further legal action

In extreme cases, unpaid council tax can lead to charging orders, insolvency proceedings or even committal to prison.

Court & consequences →
How it works

Three simple steps to a fresh start

1

Get in touch

Call us or complete our quick online form. It's private, confidential and won't affect your credit score.

2

Explore your options

An experienced advisor reviews your situation without judgement and explains every option available to you.

3

Take action

If you decide to go ahead, we handle the paperwork, deal with the council and creditors, and work to stop enforcement.

Start step one — get in touch

Do you qualify?

Let's see if an IVA could help you

An IVA isn't right for everyone, but it could be a good fit if the following apply. If not, we'll point you towards a more suitable option.

✓ Debts over £7,000

Your total unsecured debts — council tax arrears, credit cards, loans, catalogues — add up to more than £7,000.

✓ Two or more creditors

You owe money to at least two different creditors (your council counts as one).

✓ £100+ a month spare

You can afford to pay something meaningful each month — typically £100 or more — once essential living costs are covered.

A typical IVA lasts 5–6 years. Checking whether you qualify won't affect your credit score.

Check if you qualify

Reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Feefo

★★★★★

"The service was fantastic… made me feel confident."

Karlik Brooks — November 2025
★★★★★

"They were so lovely on the phone. Put my mind at rest."

Natassia Hourihan — October 2025
★★★★★

"Outstanding service, very helpful and understanding."

Eugenia Rozpotniac — October 2025
★★★★★

"Every person we spoke to was friendly and explained every option clearly."

John Green — October 2025
Guides

Clear, jargon-free guides to council tax debt

Everything you need to know about arrears, bailiffs, court action and writing off council tax debt — written in plain English.

Bailiffs

Dealing with bailiffs

Your rights, what bailiffs can and can't do, and how to stop enforcement action.

Write-offs

Writing off council tax debt

When council tax debt can be written off, and the solutions that make it possible.

Arrears & court

Arrears, court & payments

What happens when you fall behind, and how to get back on track affordably.

Browse all guides

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can council tax debt really be written off?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Council tax arrears can be included in formal debt solutions such as an IVA, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy — and at the end of the arrangement, remaining qualifying debt is legally written off. Some councils will also use discretionary powers to reduce or write off arrears in cases of severe hardship. Our advisors can tell you which routes apply to you.
Can you stop bailiffs collecting council tax?
Often, yes. Bailiffs (enforcement agents) must follow strict rules, and there are several ways to stop or pause enforcement — from negotiating a payment arrangement to entering a debt solution or applying for Breathing Space. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Is your advice really free and confidential?
Yes. Speaking to us is free, 100% confidential and judgement-free, and checking your options won't affect your credit score. Fees only apply if you choose to enter a debt solution such as an IVA, and these are always explained clearly before you decide anything.
Will an IVA affect my credit rating?
Yes. An IVA is recorded on your credit report and typically remains there for six years from the date it starts, which can make it harder to obtain credit during that time. Once your IVA is complete, you get a fresh start to begin rebuilding your credit rating.
How quickly can you stop enforcement action?
We act quickly. Once you get in touch, we can contact the council or enforcement agents on your behalf, and in many cases enforcement is paused while a solution is put in place. If bailiffs are due to visit imminently, call us straight away.
What if an IVA isn't right for me?
Not everyone is suited to an IVA — and we'll tell you honestly if that's the case. Where you are not suitable for an IVA, we may refer you to one of our trusted partners who specialise in alternative solutions, such as Debt Management Plans or Debt Relief Orders.

Worried about council tax arrears or bailiffs?

Reaching out is the hardest step — and the most important one. Speak to a friendly, experienced advisor today. 100% confidential, no judgement, no obligation.

0161 820 1298 Check if you qualify online