Now the Local Authority has a Liability Order, they can recover your Council debt in a number of ways. Instructing private bailiffs is one method, but you should get a warning letter at least 14 days before they visit.

At any time, even if bailiffs have become involved, you can offer to pay the arrears and outstanding charges but the Local Authority does not have to accept your offer. If they accept your offer and you do not keep to the agreement, the Local Authority can instruct bailiffs again.

Bailiffs may only gain peaceful entry to your property if they have not entered your home before. They can use force if they have already gained peaceful entry, technically seized goods and are deliberately prevented from re-entering.

If a bailiff enters your home they could take goods immediately but more usually ask you to sign a document called a Walking Possession Agreement. This is a list of goods that are removed if you do not make agreed payments. Charges are added daily. At this point your goods will have been seized and if you miss agreed payments, the bailiffs can return and ultimately force entry to remove goods. This advice does not apply to County Court bailiffs.

If you live alone you may get a Council Tax discount. If you have a low income, you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit.

If you want to negotiate with the Local Authority or bailiffs, only offer an amount that you can afford without missing payments. Your Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to draw up a Financial Statement and/or help you to negotiate.