Attachment of earnings

An attachment of earnings is a legally enforceable deduction made directly from earnings to pay an outstanding debt.

Council Tax attachment of earnings orders (AOE)

If you default on your council tax, we can obtain a liability order at the magistrates’ court. If the outstanding amount is not paid in full, we can instruct your employer to make deductions directly from your take home pay.

This is called an attachment of earnings order. This is a legal document and employers must comply with the order or they can be prosecuted.

Before we issue an attachment of earnings order we will first attempt to negotiate a repayment arrangement with you. We only issue the order if an arrangement is not made, or you fail to keep to an arrangement.

Related information

Read about the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.