West Lothian Council delivers

What happens if I don't pay my Council Tax?

If you pay by monthly instalments and do not pay an instalment in full, on the day it is due, then you will be sent a reminder notice asking you to pay the outstanding balance of the instalment within 7 days. By law you cannot receive more than 2 reminders in any one financial year. If you do not pay then you will lose the right to pay by instalments and the full year's charge will due. The council will then apply to the Sheriff Court for a summary warrant to recover the debt. At this stage a 10% statutory surcharge is added to the outstanding balance on your account.

Why have I received a final notice for council tax asking me to pay the full balance when it is not the end of the year?

The offer to pay your Council Tax by instalments has been withdrawn as you have not paid what was required, therefore you are being asked to pay the full balance for the year.

Why have I received a Reminder/Summary Warrant for my Council Tax?

Council Tax must be paid in accordance with the instructions on the bill to avoid recovery. When one instalment is missed a Reminder will be issued. If it is brought up to date and kept up to date no further action will be taken. If this is not brought up to date the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant. If the first reminder is brought up to date but subsequent instalments are defaulted upon a Second Reminder is issued. If it is brought up to date and kept up to date no further action will be taken. If this is not brought up to date the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant. If you default for a third time you will not be sent another reminder and the Council will apply to the Sheriff Court for a Summary Warrant.Any Warrant issued will incur costs of 10% of the outstanding balance - known as a Statutory Surcharge. Please note that paying within the month will not always avoid recovery, it is important to make payment on the date shown on the bill.