Which bills to pay first when you're in debt | Scotland

What to pay first

When you are struggling to make payments on all your bills it is difficult to know what to pay first.

Some bills are classed as priorities. This is because the consequences of not paying these bills are greater than the consequences of not paying others. For example, if you do not 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.


Type of payment		Consequence of not paying
Mortgage		Losing your home
Rent		Losing your home
Secured loans		Losing your home
Council tax		A visit from sheriffs officers, or a bank or wage arrestment
Child maintenance		Bank or wage arrestment or imprisionment
TV licence		A fine or imprisonment
Sheriff Court fines		A visit from sheriffs officers or imprisonment
Tax, VAT or National Insurance		A visit from sheriffs officers, or arrestment and furthcoming, or an inhibition order, or sequestration
Sheriff court decree		A visit from sheriffs officers, or arrestment and furthcoming or a inhibition
Gas, electricity or other fuel		Disconnection or a pre-payment meter
Hire Purchase		Losing your goods
Telephone		Disconnection

For more free debt help visit CCCS Debt Remedy, our online debt counselling service.

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FAQs

Are my unsecured debts a priority?

This depends on your situation. You should always pay your unsecured debts if you can afford to. However, paying for your house, utility bills and council tax is normally more important than paying for unsecured debts. This is because the consequence of not paying your priorities is more severe than not paying your unsecured debts. If you are struggling to pay any of your debts please call us. One of our advisors will be able to help you deal with your problems.

Why is council tax a priority?

Council tax is a priority because it is a debt to the government. This means that it is a criminal offence not to pay it. If you don’t pay your council tax you may be asked to attend a court hearing at the Sheriff court. The courts could send sheriffs officers to your house or have money taken out of your wages.