The council here are pretty reasonable TBF.
Many years ago I was self employed and waiting for money to come in I waited and waited in the mean time I omitted to Pat my C/Tax they sent the letters etc etc When I got the final reminder I rang them they let me pay a nominal sum 20 quid of something as a gesture……..and I payed the arrears in full when I got paid.
They will help you if you ring them……
Mr Nutt you need to contact the council asap by phone and follow it up in writing.