What is council tax for?
Council tax is a legal local tax for your home. It funds local services and you are legally required to pay it, unless you meet the exemption criteria.
What is council tax?
Council Tax is a tax you must pay by law if you are aged 18 or over and live in a home or flat in England, Scotland, or Wales. (gov.uk)
It is calculated based on your property’s “valuation band,” which is set by the government. (citizensadvice.org.uk)
Note: Council tax is a legal obligation. Not paying it is not optional.
What is it for?
Council tax pays for local public services that everyone in your community uses. These include:
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Rubbish collection, recycling, and street cleaning
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Maintaining roads, pavements, and street lights
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Parks, libraries, and leisure centres
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Support services for schools
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Police, fire, and rescue services via council precepts
Tip: Even if you don’t use every service directly, your tax contributes to the community.
Legal obligation and consequences of non-payment
Since council tax is a tax, failing to pay can lead to serious legal action:
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You will receive reminders and a final notice if payments are missed.
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The council can apply for a liability order through the court, giving them powers to collect the debt.
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Money can be taken directly from wages or benefits, or bailiffs can be sent to recover it.
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Persistent non-payment could lead to seizure of goods or other legal enforcement.
Warning: Council tax is a priority debt. Ignoring it can affect your credit and result in legal consequences.
What to do if you cannot pay
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Contact Homebox immediately to explain your situation, so we can let the council know.
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Ask if you can pay in smaller instalments over the year.
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Check if you qualify for a discount or exemption, for example, if you are a student, living alone, or on a low income.
Tip: Acting early can prevent escalation to court and make it easier to manage payments.