There are some things that you need to make sure you pay every month, as the results of not paying them can be serious.
These bills are classed as priorities because the consequences of not paying them are greater than the consequences of not paying others. For example, if you don’t pay your rent or your mortgage you could lose your home.
These bills are your priorities and you must always pay these before your other creditors. The table below highlights what your priority bills are, and what can happen if you don’t pay them.
| Type of debt |
Consequence of non-payment |
| Mortgage |
Losing your home |
| Rent |
Losing your home |
| Secured loan |
Losing your home |
| Council tax or rates |
A visit from bailiffs, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| Magistrates court fines |
A visit from bailiffs, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| Tax, VAT or National Insurance |
A visit from bailiffs, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| County court judgements |
A visit from bailiffs, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| Child maintenence |
A fine, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| TV Licence |
A fine, attachment of earnings order, or imprisonment |
| Gas / Electric / Other fuel |
Loss of goods or services |
| Hire purchase |
Loss of goods or services |
| Telephone |
Loss of goods or services |
If you’re worried because you’ve missed payments on your priority bills please call our Helpline on 0800 138 1111. Our expert advisors will be able to give you advice on talking to the companies and getting your payments up to date. Or you can use our fee online Debt Remedy tool.
