Council tax summons: what it means and what to do before the hearing

What a council tax summons is

If you miss council tax instalments and don’t catch up after a reminder, the council can apply to the magistrates’ court for a liability order. The summons tells you the date of the hearing and the amount owed, including the summons costs. These costs vary between councils.

Do you have to go to court?

You don’t have to attend. Most liability orders are granted in bulk without the person being there. You should consider attending (or contacting the council beforehand) if you have a valid reason why you don’t owe the money, for example:

• you’ve already paid
• you weren’t liable – for example you’d moved out, or the property was exempt
• the council made a procedural mistake, such as not sending a reminder first

“I can’t afford it” is not a defence to the liability order, but it’s a strong reason to agree an affordable arrangement and get advice.

What to do before the hearing

1. Check the bill. Is it for the right property and dates? Are you getting the single person discount, Council Tax Reduction and any other help? See Council Tax Reduction.
2. Contact the council. Phone or email before the hearing date and explain your situation.
3. Pay in full if you can. If you pay the full amount, including summons costs, before the hearing, the council won’t usually ask for a liability order.
4. If you can’t pay in full, offer an affordable plan. The council may still get the liability order, but agree not to use bailiffs while you keep to the plan.
5. Ask about hardship help, such as a discretionary (section 13A) reduction.
6. Get advice, especially if you have other debts. Breathing Space can pause council tax enforcement for 60 days.

What happens after a liability order

Once the council has a liability order, it can:

• pass the debt to bailiffs (with a £79 compliance fee for cases from 1 May 2026)
• tell your employer to make deductions from your wages
• ask the DWP to make deductions from your benefits
• in some cases apply for a charging order or bankruptcy
• in England, in rare cases, ask the court to consider prison for wilful refusal or culpable neglect

You’ll also be asked to give information about your income and employer, and failing to reply can be an offence. Read council tax liability orders explained.

Why it’s worth acting now

Council tax is now the biggest reason people in England and Wales get bailiff letters. Councils passed 1.72 million council tax debts to bailiffs in 2025/26 (Money Advice Trust), and arrears in England reached £7.4 billion by March 2026 (MHCLG). Acting at the summons stage gives you the most options and the lowest costs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stop a council tax summons?

You can usually stop the liability order being sought by paying the full amount, including costs, before the hearing. If you can’t, contact the council and agree a plan.

Will a council tax summons affect my credit rating?

A liability order doesn’t appear on your credit file like a county court judgment does.

Can the council add summons costs if I pay the next day?

Once the summons is issued, the costs are usually added. You can ask the council to reduce or waive them, especially if there was a mistake or you’re in hardship.

What if I’ve just lost my job?

Tell the council immediately. Apply for Council Tax Reduction and ask for a new affordable arrangement.

Sources

• GOV.UK, Council Tax: if you do not pay
• The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992
• Money Advice Trust, FOI research on council bailiff referrals (August 2026): moneyadvicetrust.org
• MHCLG, Collection rates for council tax and non-domestic rates in England, 2025 to 2026