If you've received a reminder, final notice or summons and cannot pay the amount you owe in full, you may be able to request a special payment arrangement.
Worried about paying your Council Tax?
We understand that times can be tough. If you're struggling to pay your Council Tax, we're here to help.
Ways we can help
If you're on a low income or receiving benefits, you might qualify for a Council Tax Reduction.
Information on the help and support that is available to Milton Keynes residents is available on our cost of living support page.
If you are not already receiving a benefit, the first thing you should do is make a new claim. Use the benefit calculator to work out which benefit you should claim.
You can also use the benefit calculator if you are already receiving a benefit but wish to know if you should claim another benefit, such as Universal Credit.
If you are finding it hard to pay your council tax, please contact us as early as possible. We understand that people can struggle with bills, and the sooner you get in touch, the more we may be able to help.
You can call us on
- 01908 253794 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 9am to 5pm)
- 01908 254060 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm)
Council Tax is a priority debt
This means it should be paid before most other debts because not paying can lead to further recovery action.
If you do not pay your Council Tax, you could face:
- a court summons
- additional costs being added to your account
- enforcement action to recover the debt
Priority debts take precedence over non-priority debts, such as:
- credit card balances
- hire purchase agreements
- catalogue payments
- unsecured bank loans
- payday loans
If you are struggling to manage your debts, you may be able to ask your non-priority creditors to temporarily reduce or pause payments while you deal with your Council Tax arrears. You can use this non-priority creditor letter template and should include a copy of your income and expenditure details and your Council Tax bill.
It's important that you also contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your circumstances and help you make arrangements for future Council Tax payments.
For more information about how Council Tax arrears are recovered, visit our Council Tax recovery pages.
You can also speak to independent advisors for free:
- Citizens Advice Milton Keynes: 0808 278 7991
- MK Money Lifeline: 0300 123 5198
- Age UK Milton Keynes: 01908 550700
- National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
- StepChange: 0800 138 1111