I have received an attachment of earnings (AOE) letter, what does this mean?
The AOE places a legal requirement on your employer to deduct money from your wages/salary and pass that payment to us to pay towards your outstanding bill.
A letter is sent to your employer containing your name, address, payroll number (if known) and council tax reference number. This letter will confirm that you are the person liable for council tax at the address shown, and detail the amount of charge that still has to be paid. Payments will start to be deducted as soon as possible after the letter has been received. You will receive a copy of this letter.
We can have an AOE against a maximum of two liability orders at any one time.
The amount deducted will depend on the amount that you earn and the number of liability orders in place. Your employer will deduct the council tax from your wages until the full balance of the AOE is paid and can deduct a further £1 for each deduction they make to cover their own costs.
Both you and your employer have a duty to tell us if you change employment. Failure to provide your employment details could lead to a fine of up to £1000.
If you pay the amount shown on the AOE order in full, we will stop the deductions being made from your wages. If this is your intention, contact us on 01507 601111 and select Council Tax to speak with an advisor once you have paid. Once we have received the payment and it is showing on your council tax account, we will let your employer know that the AOE is paid in full.
Information for employers
The Attachment of Earnings guidance notes (PDF, 166 KB) should be included with the attachment order.