The Magistrates' Court, following a court hearing, issues a liability order to the council. It details:
- Who is responsible for the debt
- How much it is
- What costs have been awarded
- The date and place of the hearing.
A liability order gives the council the power to request information from you to enable collection of the debt. It can request information regarding your work, income, expenditure and family circumstances. You should complete and return this request for information as soon as possible. Failure to complete and return the document can lead to prosecution in a Magistrates' Court and a fine being imposed.
Once the request for information has been received by the council, it can decide whether to:
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 reduction or housing benefit - please apply as soon as possible.
