If you have failed to pay your council tax and the Magistrates' court has issued the council a liability order there are several options available to the council.
This page explains the final option available to the council, committal to prison. For other options available to the council go to recovering council tax.
If the council has tried all other options it may request that the magistrates issue a summons for you to appear before them. This is for you to explain why you have not paid your debt and to enquire into your means.
If the court is satisfied that you have had the means to pay the debt and that you have either wilfully refused to pay it or are to blame for not paying it, you may be imprisoned. The maximum prison sentence is three months for each debt. The court may decide to postpone the imprisonment until the debt is paid if an agreed amount is paid immediately. The court has the power to cancel the debt or part of the debt if it sees fit.
General information
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.
