I've received a Liability Order, what next?

If a Liability Order has been granted against you by the Magistrates' court, you must pay the debt in full.

By contacting us on 01775 761161 selecting Business Rates, we may agree a payment arrangement dependent on your circumstances. However, if a more efficient alternative is available, we have a legal duty to enforce the order. Here are the range of options we can use:

• Enforcement Agents
  We can use Enforcement Agents to collect any money owed. If the debt has been passed to an Enforcement Agent, you will incur an  immediate fee of £75.
  
  The Enforcement Agent may enter into a controlled goods agreement with you. This means they will make a list of goods in your property up to the value of the debt and their costs. You will have to sign the agreement and there will be additional fees to pay. If you break the agreement with the Enforcement Agent they will re-enter your property to take control of the goods. The goods will be sold to pay your outstanding debt, this will incur further costs.
  
  If the Enforcement Agent's action is unsuccessful, we can apply to make you bankrupt. This could mean your assets, including your home, being sold to pay your debts and the costs of this action.
   
• Committal to prison
  We can make an application for your committal to prison if this happens you will have all the court costs and the debt to pay.
   
• Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings
  In certain in circumstances we can commence bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings.

The GOV.UK website offers advice on avoiding business cash flow problems.