Help paying your Council Tax bill

We understand that there may be times when you struggle to make your Council Tax payments.

If you are having difficulty paying your Council Tax bill, let us know as soon as possible. We may be able to help. If possible, don’t stop paying. Instead, pay as much as you can afford to bring the balance down and contact us.

Council Tax is known as a priority debt and ranks above loan repayments, telephone bills, TV subscriptions, etc. If you don’t keep up your payments you can be sent to prison.

We can look at ways to help you to make payments and keep the outstanding amount down. You might be able to change when or how you pay, apply for Council Tax support or see if you are eligible for any discounts or exemptions.

Move to Direct Debit

Setting up a Direct Debit can help you manage your payments and it gives you the option to pay on a fixed date every month.

You can set up a Direct Debit online using My Account.

Once you have activated your Council Tax account, follow the link to set up a Direct Debit.

Increase the number of payments

You can choose to spread your payments over 12 months instead of 10 months. You must advise us in advance that you want to do this. Your last instalment of each bill will always be made in the last month of the financial year, i.e. March.

The number of instalments will reduce based on the number of months left in the year.

You can do this using My Account.

Some people qualify for a reduction on their Council Tax bill. Make sure that you are receiving all of the discounts or exemptions you are entitled to.

If you are on a low income or get benefits, you can apply for Council Tax Support. 

If you already receive Council Tax Support you could be eligible for discretionary housing payments.

The Council Tax Hardship Fund helps people who have fallen on hard times, financially, and cannot pay their full Council Tax bill.

It is a short-term, one-off award that can help when you have tried all other forms of help and financial support to pay your Council Tax bill.

Help from the Resident Support Fund

If you are suffering from financial hardship, you can also apply to the Resident Support fund and request support with your Council Tax arrears.

For free independent advice on how best to deal with your finances, manage your money or clear down debts we advise you to visit our money advice directory.

There is also debt advice services available at one of our seven hubs. For dates and times visit the Brent Hubs website.

You can also get support from a debt advice service such as:

• StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice
• Brent Citizen's Advice Bureau
• National Debtline

These organisations will discuss your income and expenditure and advise you on how best to manage your finances.