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What happens if you do not pay your Council Tax

If you fail to pay your Council Tax in accordance with the demand notice issued, you will face recovery action, which may include being taken to court where additional costs are incurred.

In this section:

Council Tax reminder letter

If your payment is late or you do not pay, we'll send you a reminder. This will be through a letter, text or voice message.

We normally send only one reminder before taking further action.

If you have only missed one payment, you can pay online.

If you receive a text or voice message reminder 

A text or voice message reminder can avoid a formal notice being sent if the payment is made promptly and could avoid you incurring costs being added to your account. Whilst this service is offered to prevent you from falling further into arrears, it should not be relied upon and may not always be available. 

Payments should reach your account by the due date in line with the bill issued. Failure to do so may result in automated recovery action being taken.

The text messages should:

  • be sent by Luton Borough Council and will show as Luton BC
  • include a URL with the prefix of https:// and have 'www.luton.gov.uk/payit', the link will direct you to our website so you can make a payment

You may receive a voice message from the telephone number 01582 952217.

If you still do not pay

If you do not pay following this, we'll send you a summons to appear at the Magistrates Court. 

If you've received a summons, you can still make an arrangement to pay but:

  • you'll have to pay the court costs
  • we'll still apply for a Liability Order at the Magistrates’ Court

How to request a repayment arrangement

If you do not make an arrangement and it goes to court, you will receive a £83 court costs and lose your right to pay by instalments.

After a Liability Order is granted

After a Liability Order is granted in favour of the council by the Magistrate, we can instruct the Department for Works and Pensions or your employer to make deductions from your benefits or your earnings. This is done through making a request for attachments.

If you need to discuss your situation with us

You can contact the Customer Services Council Tax Team or complete the online enquiry form.

Telephone: 01582 510342