I have received a summons, what happens now?

If payments have not been made, the Magistrates' court will send you a summons telling you the amount outstanding, including court costs and the hearing date. If a summons is issued, additional costs will be payable.

What you should do if you receive a summons:

• pay the balance in full including the costs. For information on making payment, please see our ways to pay page
• if you cannot pay in full, including the costs, before the court hearing, contact us to discuss an arrangement - but we will still have to obtain the court order
• if you think the debt is wrong let us know straight away - do not wait until the court hearing
• you have the right to attend court and give evidence if you think the debt is incorrect.

Summons court hearings

We will ask the court to issue a Liability Order against you. The court will not consider offers of payment - you have to discuss those with us. You have the right to attend Court and give evidence if you believe you are not liable to pay the debt.

If a Liability Order has been granted against you, please see our liability order page.

To discuss repayment options, please call us on 01775 761161 and select 'Business Rates'.

The GOV.UK website offers advice about how to avoiding business cash flow problems.