If you fail to make a council tax payment after we have issued a reminder or final notice, we will request the Magistrates' Court to issue a summons.
A summons is a document issued by the Magistrates' Court. It will summons you to appear before Magistrates at a time and place given on the form.
The summons will include details of:
- The person considered to be liable for the charge
- The amount and date of the charge
- The amount of costs that will be requested at the hearing.
A summons can be delivered by posting it to the last known address of the debtor. The council does not have to prove that the summons or reminder has been received. It only has to prove that it has been posted.
If you receive a summons there will be detailed note of what to do next.
You have a right to attend the hearing to explain why a liability order should not be issued against you.
You do not have to attend the hearing if you are not disputing the case, but it is important that you contact the council to make an arrangement if you are not paying the debt in full.
At this stage costs of £55 will be added to your account. A hearing will take place at a local Magistrates' Court, which you may attend. There, a council representative will give evidence of the making of the charge and the issue of reminders and summonses.
If the magistrates are satisfied this has been done correctly they will issue a Council tax liability order. This order allows the council to recover the council tax debt and court costs. At this stage a further £10 is added to your account.
To avoid the above action you must pay your council tax when it is due. If you are unable to pay your council tax when it is due you must contact the section immediately.
Please note: Even if you are appealing against your council tax you must continue to pay the instalments until a decision has been reached.
If you are in financial difficulties due to low income you may be entitled to council tax benefit or housing benefit - please apply as soon as possible.
More council tax recovery information
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