Changes in council tax collection

The government has committed to increasing the timeframe before someone becomes liable to pay the full year bill after missing a payment. This will be extended to at least 63 days from the first missed payment (in line with Wales). This is a huge improvement from the current rules and will give people more time to get back on track.

The government will set out the statutory steps that councils must take before enforcement action when someone misses a bill, and guidance for engagement and signposting to advice services. 

There will be a cap of £100 on the costs added for seeking a liability order.

These three changes will be introduced through secondary legislation from April 2027.

Council tax will be billed by default over 12 monthly instalments instead of 10 months from April 2028.

You can read more here Modernising and improving the administration of council tax - government response - GOV.UK