Council Tax - Recovery

If you have been summoned to appear before the Magistrates Court and are unable to pay the amount shown, including costs (currently £45.00), you should contact us immediately using the details on the left.

If you do not contact us the case will still be heard in the Magistrates Court. The Council will ask the Magistrates to grant a liability order, this will incur further costs (currently £25.00). Note, the court hearing is to determine whether you are liable. Your ability to pay the council tax will not be considered by the court, nor your proposals for payment which should be made direct to the Council.

Where a liability order is obtained and an arrangement has not been entered into further recovery action will be taken. This may take one of the following forms:

1. Attachment to your earnings. 
2. Attachment to your Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance. 
3. Use of the Bailiffs.
4. Bankruptcy proceedings.
5. Charging Order against your property, where you are the owner.
6. Committal to prison, if the bailiffs are unsuccessful.

Furthermore having obtained the liability order the council can legally request certain financial information, in respect of your employment or benefit details. Failure to supply this information could result in further action in the Magistrates Court, which may result in a fine and further costs.

I cannot pay in full before the Court date, how can I make an offer of payment?

You can make an offer of payment online by visiting the link below. Please note that in general we will expect accounts to be paid before the 31st March.

Make an offer of payment

Alternatively you can contact us as detailed below.

Can I have deductions from my benefit to clear the debt?

Deductions can usually be made from your benefit by the DWP providing the benefit claimant is liable for the Council Tax and is in receipt of one of the following benefit types:

• Income Support
• Employment Support Allowance
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit

Request deductions from Benefit

Can I have deductions from my earnings to clear the debt?

Deductions can usually be made form your earnings by an Attachment of Earnings Order providing your earnings are high enough and you are named on the Liability Order.

Request Attachment of Earnings

How to contact us

You can visit one of our Customer Service Centres listed at the following link:

Customer Service Centres

Or you can ring us Monday to Friday on (01709) 336050 from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Please note that our less busy times for telephone enquiries are currently 8:30am to 10:00am and 4:30pm to 5:30pm.

You can also make an immediate payment by ringing (01709) 822329 or by visiting the following link:

RMBC Online Payments System

Are you experiencing debt problems?

If you are having difficulties with debt the Council provides a free confidential debt counselling service to Rotherham residents. Please ring (01709( 822329.

Other advice agencies may be accessed through;

Advice in Rotherham

Last updated 22/12/2011