Attachment of earnings despite written agreement - recourse?

[TroubledSoul]

Hi all, just after some better informed advice before I look into this any deeper. I basically ended up with a council tax debt due to a multitude of factors which have been addressed one by one.

I had a summons notice. I had a payment schedule, starting 24th October. I contacted the council quite quickly via an online form (I was diagnosed with adhd yesterday before I'm asked why I didn't ring them. I avoid calls wherever possible) and I received a response a few days ago.

I asked could I pay that first payment tomorrow, 7th November and then I would be fine paying all subsequent payments on the scheduled dates.

The amounts were £225 BTW. I received the following response:

The Council said:

You have missed the payment due 24/10/2025 of 225.00. In order to repay this years council tax by the end of the financial year you will now have to pay 269.57 on 07/11/2025 and a further 4 payments of 269.57 on the 7th of each month till March when the final payment is due.


The consequence of not paying is that your debt will be deducted from your wage.


Kindest Regards,


Council Tax Team

I then received an attachment of earnings letter either the very next day or the one after that. Today I've had confirmation they've taken a chunk of my wage this week and I assume will continue this for the coming weeks, which will have a severe impact on me.

Why would they tell me I can pay on 7th November, warn of the consequences then enact those consequences before said date occurs? What's the legal position on this?

Appreciate it's my fault I am in this mess ultimately, but any advice gratefully received.

[GasEngineer]

You're really going to need to speak to them asap. Could you get someone to call on your behalf or together with you ?

[TroubledSoul]

I'll call them tomorrow morning. I don't want to, but I know it's the best way forward. I can suck it up when I really need to, just wanted to know where I stand really before I do speak to them.

[SydneyBridge]

Go to local CAB and see if they will call on your behalf