Council Tax texts and voice messages

If you've received a Council Tax Text Reminder

The Council Tax service sends out a text reminder if your account falls into arrears. This service is used to prompt and enable you to prevent yourselves from falling deeper into arrears. As a Council Tax account holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that your Council Tax is paid on time.

We are acutely aware how the current cost of Living crisis is impacting on our residents, and we want to do everything we can to prevent residents getting into arrears by engaging early and doing what we can to help while trying to collect Council Tax.

If your Council Tax account falls into arrears and payments are late, the council may send a text or voice message before taking further recovery action.

Text Messages

A text message reminder can avoid a formal notice being sent if the payment is made promptly and could avoid you incurring costs being added to your account.

Whilst this service is offered to prevent customers from falling further into arrears, it should not be relied upon and may not always be available. Payments should reach your account by the due date in line with the bill issued and failure to do so may result in automated recovery action being taken.

The text messages are sent by London Borough of Waltham Forest and will show as LBWF, there will be a URL with the https:// and have ctaxsms.walthamforest.gov.uk and the link will provide additional information regarding arrangements and information on available reliefs or discounts. Payment can also be made, or you can make payment using the QR code on your bill or going directly to the payment page on our website Pay your council tax

Voicescape and Voice messages

The Voicescape technology will allow us to increase communication with our Council Taxpayers and focus on those customers with the greatest need.

We will be running campaigns to engage with council taxpayers who may have fallen behind with payments.

A free outbound telephone service will give customers the opportunity to discuss outstanding Council Tax before any further action is taken and costs incurred.

Support maybe available and a dedicated member of the Council Tax team will be available to discuss matters that may be preventing you from paying your Council Tax.

You may receive a call from the Telephone number 0208 *** 0308 which will invite you to speak directly to one of the Council Tax team.

The agent will not be able to take payment but will direct you to our secure payment line as advertised on your bill.

Online account access 

Manage your Council Tax account online and view your bills, payments made and make payment arrangements by visiting  Manage your council tax

We will not send you any other marketing messages regarding your Council Tax. 

Protecting your data 

We will contact you on a number that we have on file for you. 

If you have any concerns regarding genuine nature of text messages or voice calls, you can make payments via the Council’s website or your secure online account.  

Please view our Privacy statement by visiting our Council Tax privacy notice page 

Struggling to pay Council Tax

If you are finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax, we may be able to provide support. Find out what type of Council Tax support is available including discounts and exemptions.

You can also calculate your Council Tax support by using our benefits calculator to get an estimate of how much Council Tax support or Second adult reduction you could get

Help with cost of living

We know that many residents are struggling to make ends meet during this crisis, and that extra support is needed to help you during this difficult time. Whatever your specific challenges or needs, we’re here to help. Please refer to: Cost of living support: your crisis, our action

What happens if you don’t pay your Council Tax

Find out what happens if you don’t pay your Council Tax 

How much Council Tax must you pay

If you would like to see how much Council Tax you must pay including information on how to appeal your band or bill, for further information please refer to: Council Tax bands, charges, disputes and appeals.