Setting up a direct debit is quick and easy.  You’ll need your:

• Council Tax/Business Rates account number
• Bank name , branch and sort code
• Bank account number and name(s) on the account

Set up a Direct Debit

To change your Direct Debit, fill in a new form

You can also set up your Direct Debit over the phone: 0808 164 8610

If a business rates instalment is not paid then the following steps will be taken by the council.

1. Reminder – Reminder letter sent
2. Final Notice issued – You may receive this notice under certain circumstances but not always. This notice stops your right to pay by instalments and requests that the full balance remaining on the account is paid within 7 days.
3. Court Summons – If payment is not received following the Reminder and/or Final Notice then a summons will be issued and the person liable will have to appear at a designated Magistrates Court. Further cost will be incurred due to the court costs. There is no need to attend court if you accept that the Business Rates is due.
4. Further Steps – At the court hearing the Council will ask for the Magistrates to issue a liability order. This will enable the Council to take further steps to recover outstanding Council Tax. See how the Council recovers unpaid Business Rates in the section below.