What is a liability order?

A liability order is a court judgement that confirms the amount owed and gives the council powers to enforce collection, such as instructing enforcement agents or applying for deductions from benefits.

Can the council put a charge on my property?

Yes, the council can pursue enforcement remedies that include applying for a charging order to secure unpaid council tax against a property, typically after a court judgment or continued non-payment.

How do I complain about an enforcement agent?

Raise the complaint with Birmingham City Council Revenues & Benefits and follow national guidance on enforcement agents; keep records of the visit and any identification shown.

Council Tax Enforcement and Charging Orders Birmingham

Taxation and Finance England 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Birmingham, England residents who fall behind on council tax face a staged enforcement process administered by Birmingham City Council and, where necessary, the courts. This guide explains how liability orders, enforcement agents, charging orders and other remedies work locally, who enforces them, and practical steps to pay, appeal or apply for help. It draws on official council guidance and national enforcement rules to show common outcomes and routes for review.^[1]

How enforcement begins

Councils normally issue reminders and final notices before applying for a summons to the magistrates' court. If the court grants a liability order the council gains powers to take further action to collect the debt, including instructing enforcement agents, applying for deductions from benefits or earnings, pursuing bankruptcy, or seeking a charging order against property.

Penalties & Enforcement

The specific monetary penalties and schedule of enforcement costs are handled under the council's procedures and national enforcement regulations. Where the council or court adds costs or fees these may vary by case; specific statutory fee amounts are not specified on the cited Birmingham page.^[1] For information on how enforcement agents operate and the general fee stages under national rules, see official guidance on using bailiffs.^[2]

Typical progression: reminder, final notice, summons, liability order, enforcement action.
Enforcement methods: bailiffs (enforcement agents), attachment of earnings, deductions from benefits, bankruptcy proceedings, charging orders on property.
Fine amounts and statutory fees: not specified on the cited Birmingham page; consult the council or national enforcement rules for exact figures.^[1]
Escalation: first-stage enforcement typically begins after a liability order; repeat or continuing non-payment can lead to increasingly intrusive remedies including bankruptcy or charging orders.
Enforcer and contact: Birmingham City Council Revenues & Benefits (Council Tax section) handles collection and enforcement actions; complaints about enforcement agents follow the council procedure and national guidance.^[1]

A liability order is the formal court judgment that lets the council take stronger steps to collect unpaid council tax.

Appeals, reviews and time limits

If you receive a summons or a liability order you may be able to ask the court to set aside the summons or to appeal certain decisions; the council also publishes information on how to request a review or apply for reductions or exemptions. Time limits for asking the court to set aside a liability order are governed by court rules; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited council page and you should seek the exact dates from the court or council documentation.^[1]

Defences and discretion

Common defences include demonstrating you were not liable, showing an entitlement to a discount or reduction, or proving a reasonable excuse for non-payment. The council and court have discretion to consider circumstances and to accept payment arrangements.

Applications & Forms

Common applications relating to council tax enforcement include requests for council tax reduction, discount or exemption, and requests to the court to set aside a summons. The council publishes online forms for reductions and discounts; for court-related forms or formal applications to set aside orders consult the magistrates' court or court service. Where a named form or fee is required that detail is not specified on the cited Birmingham page.^[1]

Apply for council tax reduction or discounts via Birmingham City Council online forms or the Revenues team.
If a liability order is issued, contact the magistrates' court for forms to set aside or vary the order.
Report enforcement-agent misconduct to the council and consult national guidance on using bailiffs for complaint steps.^[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

Non-payment of council tax: progression to liability order and enforcement actions.
Failure to complete discount or exemption applications: potential back-dating refusal and continued liability.
Ignored court summons: costs and enforcement steps added by the court or council.

If enforcement agents visit, ask for identification and the name of the instructing authority before discussing payment.

Action steps

Respond promptly to reminders and final notices to avoid a summons.
Apply for council tax reduction or discounts if eligible using council forms.
If you receive a summons, contact the council or court immediately to explore payment plans or to request a set-aside.
Seek legal or debt-advice if facing bankruptcy or a charging order on property.

FAQ

What is a liability order?: A liability order is a court judgement that confirms the amount owed and gives the council powers to enforce collection, such as instructing enforcement agents or applying for deductions from benefits.
Can the council put a charge on my property?: Yes, the council can pursue enforcement remedies that include applying for a charging order to secure unpaid council tax against a property, typically after a court judgment or continued non-payment.
How do I complain about an enforcement agent?: Raise the complaint with Birmingham City Council Revenues & Benefits and follow national guidance on enforcement agents; keep records of the visit and any identification shown.

How-To

Check notices: read reminders, final notices and any summons closely.
Contact the council: phone or use online services to discuss payment arrangements or reductions.
Apply for reductions: complete any council tax reduction or discount forms if eligible.
If summons issued: consider asking the court to set aside the order or seek an adjournment while you negotiate with the council.
If enforcement begins: verify enforcement agent identity, agree a payment plan if possible, and complain to the council if agent behaviour breaches rules.

Key Takeaways

Respond early to notices to avoid court action and extra costs.
Contact Birmingham City Council Revenues & Benefits for payment plans or support.