20 years
In Scotland, councils can pursue the debt for 20 years. The council is entitled to recover any non-payment if the debt is still due – even if it made an error and closed the account before it was settled.
What happens if you don’t pay your council tax in Scotland?
If you ignore Council Tax arrears, your council will issue a summary warrant and add a 10% charge on to your bill. You’ll also have to pay sheriff officer fees as well as your debt. This can add several hundred pounds to your bill. Arrears for Council Tax and public water and sewerage charges are a ‘priority debt’.
How do I speak to someone at Edinburgh Council?
Council emergency number 0131 200 2000. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you call the number during office hours and your call isn’t an emergency, you will be directed to a menu of options.
Does council tax arrears affect credit rating in Scotland?
If you are struggling with mounting council tax debt in Scotland, you’re likely to receive a ‘reminder’ letter which is effectively your ‘first strike’. It is a warning from the council that you’ve missed a payment and at this stage, your credit rating could already be affected.
How long before a council tax debt is written off?
At the end of the 5 years, the remainder of your debt will be completely written off – leaving you debt-free. So when you include council tax arrears into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (or iva), it’s completely possible to write off a section of your council tax debt.
How do I make a claim against Edinburgh Council?
visit: • e-mail: [email protected] • telephone: Customer Care Team on 0131 200 2300 • visit: any Council building eg schools, libraries or neighbourhood offices and speak direct to a member of staff. You can make your complaint in person, by phone, by email or in writing.
How do I complain about my local Council?
Make a complaint
- Complain to the council service provider.
- If you’re still not happy, complain to your council’s complaints officer.
- If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may be able to get the Local Government Ombudsman to look into it.
