What happens if you don't pay your council tax

Dispute a court summons or liability order

Find out how to dispute a court summons or a liability order you have received.

If you believe you have a valid defence against a court summons or a liability order, please contact us straight away. We will look into the matter and may be able to withdraw the summons.

Phone: 0113 376 0362 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, Friday 9am to 1pm)

Valid legal defences against an order

The only valid legal defences against an order are:

  • the council has not followed the procedures set down in law when trying to collect your council tax
  • you have paid all the overdue council tax within the time limit given on the last reminder or final notice sent to you

Use our online form to tell us why you are disputing the court summons or liability order you have received.

Dispute a court summons or liability order


Use this form to give us your comments. Do not use it to give us personal information - please contact us if you need to get in touch.