Attachment of Earnings
If a Liability Order has been granted for council tax arrears, the local authority can apply for an Attachment of Earnings Order. This means that the Council can ask your employer to make deductions from your salary to pay towards your outstanding arrears.
A Council Tax Attachment of Earnings Order should not be confused with an Attachment of Earnings Order for an unpaid County Court Judgment or court fines.
Can the bailiff company set up an Attachment of Earnings Order?
Yes they can and in fact, it is a very common procedure for enforcement companies to undertake. A Notice of Enforcement must be sent to you beforehand.
How much will be deducted from my salary under an Attachment of Earnings Order?
The amount that can be deducted is set out in legislation and will be calculated by your employer from your net earnings. This is the figure after tax and national insurance has been deducted. applied. The amount of “earnings” will include any bonuses and overtime.
To calculate how much will be deducted by your employer under a Council Tax Attachment of Earnings Order please see below.
Net Weekly Earnings |
Weekly Deductions |
Deduction Rate |
| Up to £75 | Nil | 0% |
| Between £75 and £135 | £2.25 to £4.05 | 3% |
| Between £135 and £185 | £6.75 to £9.25 | 5% |
| Between £185 and £225 | £12.95 to £15.75 | 7% |
| Between £225 and £355 | £27.00 to £42.60 | 12% |
| Between £355 and £505 | £60.35 to £85.85 | 17% |
| Exceeding £505 | Minimum £85.85 | 17% in respect of the first £505 and 50% of the remainder |
Net Monthly Earnings |
Monthly Deductions |
Deduction Rate |
| Up to £300 | Nil | 0% |
| Between £300 and £550 | £9.00 to £16.50 | 3% |
| Between £550 and £740 | £27.50 to £37.00 | 5% |
| Between £740 and £900 | £51.80 to £63.00 | 7% |
| Between £900 and £1,420 | £108.00 to £170.40 | 12% |
| Between £1,420 and £2,020 | £241.40 to £343.40 | 17% |
| Exceeding £2,020 | Minimum £343.40 | 17% in respect of the first £2,020 and 50% in respect of the remainder |
I already have a deduction from my wages for a loan.
An Attachment of Earnings Order is a legal order and accordingly, it takes priority over any other deductions.
I have an Attachment of Earnings order, can the council apply for another one?
If you already have one Council Tax Attachment of Earnings Order in place, a second AEO can still be imposed. However, if there are two Attachment of Earnings orders in place, no further orders can be imposed.
Will deductions be made if I am receiving sick pay?
Yes they will. The deduction is worked out using your net wages. Therefore, if your earnings reduce, the amount of deductions will also reduce.
Can I make an alternative proposal to pay?
Unfortunately not. An Attachment of Earnings Order is a legal document. Once the order has been sent to your employer, it may only be stopped once the full outstanding amount is paid. You would need to contact the local authority for full details.
The Attachment of Earnings Order means that I cannot pay my mortgage or rent.
If the deductions under the Attachment of Earnings Order mean that your home is at risk (or you do not have enough money to feed and cloth your family), you must contact the local authority immediately.
What will happen if I lose my job or change employer?
If you change jobs, or your employment ceases, you MUST tell the local authority immediately. If you fail to do so, your account could be passed to an enforcement agent.
Commentary from Bailiff Advice Online
If you have a debt that is being enforced by bailiffs and you have any query at all, please feel free to contact us. You can email a question to us using our online Enquiry Form. Alternatively, can contact our helpline. Details are on our Contact page.
Lastly, our Simplified Guide to the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 can be read here.