If your council-tax arrears hit £1,000 and you own your home, Bradford Council says it can seek a County Court “charging order” — and, if costs remain unpaid, apply to take possession and sell your home. That’s written in the Council’s own guidance. Meanwhile bills rose 9.99% this year and the Council is running on Exceptional Financial Support. Together, that’s a powder keg for ordinary households in a bad year.
Bradford Council
+2
Bradford Council
+2
Charging order → order for sale: Bradford’s page states that if liability orders exceed £1,000 and you own the property, the Council can apply for a charging order and, if you still don’t pay “the charge and the costs,” it can seek possession and sale.
Bradford Council
Costs escalate fast: Bailiff fees are fixed in law (£75 / £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 / £110 + 7.5%). Solicitor and court fees add £££ more as cases move into County Court.
Legislation.gov.uk
+1
City finances are fragile: Bradford is relying on capitalisation (EFS) to balance the books — borrowing/capital receipts used for day-to-day spend — increasing future debt costs.
Bradford Council
Plain English: A charging order secures council-tax debt on your home. Judges can add conditions (for example: no sale if you keep to a payment plan). Ask for this.
Shelter England
