Priority vs non-priority

Lesson 2 of 12 in our free Debt & Getting Help guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.

This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.

The story so far

Dex: Bro, just pay whoever texts loudest. Biggest number first. Alpha move.
Nana: No, Dex. You pay the ones with the worst consequences first — not the noisiest.
Chip: Priority debts are ones where not paying could cost you your home, energy supply, or land you in court with serious penalties.

Mo has £300 spare. He owes £300 on a credit card (texting him daily) and £300 council tax arrears. Which first?

The council tax arrears, then contact the card company. Right. Priority first, then explain to the card company and offer what's affordable.

Rent arrears → Priority. Could ultimately put your home at risk.
Council tax arrears → Priority. Councils can move fast to enforcement — it's priority.
Credit card balance → Non-priority. Serious, but not paying doesn't risk your home or liberty straight away.
Gas and electricity arrears → Priority. You could be moved to a prepayment meter or, in extreme cases, cut off.
BNPL late payment → Non-priority. Non-priority — but still talk to them.
Money owed to a friend → Non-priority. Non-priority legally, even if it feels awkward.
TV Licence → Priority. Not paying can lead to prosecution and a fine, so it's treated as priority.
Myth: “Non-priority debts don't matter at all.” — They still matter — they just come after priority debts. Ignoring them leads to charges and possible court action.
Fact: “A debt being 'priority' depends on the consequences, not the amount.” — A small council tax bill can be more urgent than a large credit card balance.
Myth: “Ignoring council tax letters makes the debt go away.” — It usually escalates to a court order and enforcement agents (bailiffs). Contact the council early.