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  10. What happens if you do not pay your Council Tax?
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  12. I have received a summons, what does this mean?

I have received a summons, what does this mean?

Once a summons has been issued you have lost your right to pay council tax by instalments and the whole outstanding balance, including costs incurred by us in issuing the summons, is due immediately.

If you pay in full including the costs before the court date, no further action will be taken. Pay Online

If you cannot pay in full, contact us immediately  to discuss repayment options.  You can set up an arrangement online or call us on 01775 761161, select Council Tax and hold to speak to an advisor.

You have the right to attend the court and offer evidence and reasons if you think you shouldn't have to pay, however, the court is not able to consider your financial situations.  You only need to appear before the court if you have one of the valid legal defences as a reason why you do not have to pay.  If you feel you have one of these defences, please contact us as soon as possible.

  1.  The property is not entered in the valuation list for the period for which the defendant is alleged to have been liable to pay the council tax.
  2. That the tax had not been properly set.
  3. That the tax had not been demanded in accordance witht the statutory provisions or no joint and several taxpayers notice has, where appropriate, been served.
  4. That the demand demanded has been paid.
  5. That more that six years have elapsed since the day on which the sum became due.
  6. That the billing authority was in breach of the duty to serve notices "as soon as practicable" in the relevant year in compliance with Reg 19 (1) Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations SI 1992/613.
  7. That bankruptcy or winding up proceedings have been initiated. 

The Magistrates' Court will be asked to grant a Liability Order and further costs will be added to your account. Once a liability order is granted, we are allowed to request information about your income, this information will help us understand your financial circumstances.   The liability order gives us the right to collect the debt owed by various methods such as:

  • Attachment of earnings.
  • Attachment of benefits.
  • Passing the debt to the enforcement agents (previously known as bailiffs) to collect the debt on our behalf.
  • Charging Order.
  • Bankruptcy.
  • Committal.

Problems paying your Council Tax

Debt Management Policy (PDF) [74KB]

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