Reminders
If you have received a Council Tax Reminder notice please find some frequently asked questions (FAQ's) below. If you cannot find the answer to your query, please contact us.
If you wish to set up a Direct Debit please complete a 
Direct Debit Form [34kb].
Why have I been sent a reminder notice?
You have not paid your instalment(s) in full as shown on your Council Tax bill.
Payments are due on the 1st of each month and we can send a reminder any time after this date.
Please note that due to the number of reminders we send we cannot check each one individually so you should ensure you pay by the due date.
My Reminder is for two instalments but I have only missed one payment?
If we send you a reminder we can include any instalments that are due up to 7 days after the date of the Reminder.
So if we send you a reminder on the 1st June we can include an instalment that is due on 7th June as well as the instalment you have missed.
What happens if I don't pay?
If you don't pay the amount shown on the Reminder we will send you a summons to appear in the Magistrates Court for non payment.
The instalments shown on your bill are cancelled and you have to pay the full amount of council tax for the year. We also add £70 court costs.
Once you are issued with a summons the only way to stop your case going to the Magistrates Court is to pay the balance for the year including the £70 costs.
On the court date we apply for a Liability Order. This is a Court Order that allows us to take further action to recover the money you owe including taking deductions from your wages or benefits or using Bailiffs.
Why do I have to pay now?
Council Tax law allows you to pay your Council Tax over monthly instalments and allows us to take action if you do not pay when the instalments are due.
What if I have trouble paying the bill?
If you are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings you may be entitled to Housing and Council Tax Benefits (the £16,000 limit may not apply to some people of Pension age). See our Council Tax Benefit pages for more information.
You may also qualify for a Second Adult Rebate if you are the only person responsible for the Council Tax and another adult lives in your house and they are on a low income.
Do not ignore the bill as if you do not pay your instalments we will take further recovery action.
Make paying easier
It's easy to pay by Direct Debit and it means you will never miss a payment again. You only set up your Direct Debit once and in future your payments will be automatically adjusted for your new bills.
Your Direct Debit is fully covered by the Direct Debit guarantee meaning you can cancel it at any time and are guaranteed a refund if a mistake is made.
Instead of having to pay on the 1st of each month you can choose to pay on the 1st, 10th, and the 20th of the month.
You can set up a Direct Debit by completing a DIrect Debit Form [34kb] or by phoning us on 01354 654321.
'I am not paying as I am unhappy with council services'
You can't stop paying Council Tax and you need to bring your account up to date.
However please email us on counciltax@fenland.gov.uk to tell us what is wrong, so that we can look into it for you and try to put it right.
My details have changed
You should still pay the amount shown on your Reminder but we will refund any overpayment or transfer it to any new Council Tax account.
Please email us on counciltax@fenland.gov.uk with the details of your change as soon as possible. We will normally update your account within 7 days. If you are moving to another area please tell us so we can work out your final balance.
I am waiting to hear about Council Tax Benefit
You still need to pay until your application is completed. It may be we need extra information from you.
If you wish to find out how your application is progressing please e-mail us on benefits@fenland.gov.uk .
I thought I was paying by Direct Debit
Please check your last bill as this shows how you pay. You should also check your bank statements to check payments have been taken.
A Direct Debit can be set-up by completing a Direct Debit Form or by calling our Council Information Centre on 01354 654321.
I have received a reminder, but I don't get paid until the end of the month
Payment is due within seven days of issue to prevent further recovery action - see What happens if I don't pay?
Don't forget you can set up a Direct Debit for the 1st, 10th, or 20th of the month by completing a Direct Debit Form
Can I set-up an arrangement on a reminder?
We are unable to make an arrangement on a reminder. Payment is due within seven days of issue to prevent further recovery action - see What happens if I don't pay?
If you want to pay at a different date in the month then you should set up a Direct Debit by completing a Direct Debit Form.
Can I pay with a post-dated cheque?
We are unable to pay post-dated cheques to your Council Tax account until the date shown on the cheque. Payment is due within seven days of issue to prevent further recovery action - see What happens if I don't pay?
