If you are struggling to manage your finances or are worried about debt, free and independent advice is available. The organisations below can provide confidential support, help you understand your options, and work with you to improve your financial situation. This advice is independent of Milton Keynes City Council and is available to residents who need support.

Don't wait to seek help. The sooner you get advice, the more options are likely to be available to help you manage your finances and prevent your debts from increasing

If you've received a reminder, final notice or court summons and cannot pay the balance in full, you may be able to agree a payment arrangement with us.

We'll consider your individual circumstances and may ask you to complete an income and expenditure assessment so we can understand what you can realistically afford to pay.

Set Up a Special Arrangement

If you're worried about your finances, there may be support available to help with day-to-day living costs, housing expenses, energy bills and other essential household costs. Visit our Cost of Living Support page to find out what assistance is available for Milton Keynes residents.

If you are not currently receiving benefits, you should check whether you are entitled to claim. Our benefit calculator can help you identify any benefits you may be eligible for and estimate how much support you could receive.

You can also use the benefit calculator if you already receive benefits and want to check whether you could claim additional support, including Universal Credit or other benefits.

If you're on a low income or receiving benefits, you may also be eligible for Council Tax Reduction, which could reduce the amount of Council Tax you have to pay.

Cost of Living Support

Benefit Calculator

Council Tax Reduction

You may be entitled to a Council Tax discount, reduction or exemption depending on your circumstances. This could reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay.

Examples include single person discount, student exemptions, disabled band reductions, and reductions for people on a low income.

Use our online guidance to check what support may be available and find out how to apply.

Discounts and Exemptions 

If you're struggling to pay your Council Tax, completing an income and expenditure form can help us understand your financial circumstances and assess what you can realistically afford to pay.

The information you provide will help us consider payment arrangements and identify any additional support that may be available. Please provide as much detail as possible about your income, household expenses and any other debts you may have.

Income and Expenditure Form

Council Tax is considered a priority debt because there can be serious consequences if payments are missed. If you're struggling financially, it's important to deal with Council Tax arrears before most other types of debt. 

If you do not pay your Council Tax, we may take recovery action, which can lead to:

• A court summons being issued
• Additional costs being added to your account
• Enforcement action to recover the debt

Priority debts should normally be paid before non-priority debts such as:

• Credit cards
• Hire purchase agreements
• Catalogue accounts
• Unsecured loans
• Payday loans

If you're finding it difficult to manage your debts, you may wish to contact your non-priority creditors and ask whether they can temporarily reduce or suspend payments while you deal with your Council Tax arrears. You can use our non-priority creditor letter template and include details of your income and expenditure, together with a copy of your Council Tax bill.

Most importantly, contact us as soon as possible. The earlier you get in touch, the more options may be available to help you manage your Council Tax account and avoid further recovery action

Find out more about the Council Tax recovery process.

If you're finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax, please contact us as soon as possible. We understand that circumstances can change and that managing household bills can be challenging. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can discuss the support available and help you find a solution.

Whether you need advice, help understanding your options, or want to discuss a payment arrangement, our team is here to help

Contact Us

You can call us on  

• 01908 253794 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 9am to 5pm)
• 01908 254060 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm)