If our last chance offer is ignored a thorough
review of the whole case is carried out. If the decision is to take
the case forward to Court a letter (PDF: 6Kb
/ pages) is sent to the customer telling them we now intend
to begin committal to prison proceedings, it urges them to make
contact.
Failure to make contact results in the recovery
court officer applying to the magistrates for a
summons (PDF: 6Kb /
pages) to secure the appearance of the customer before the
Court.
At court the Councils officer will present the
case for the council and will refer to all necessary evidence. The
customer will have the chance to explain to the Magistrates why
they have not paid as demanded. The court officer will ask that the
Magistrates find that the customer is guilty of wilful refusal or
culpable neglect in not paying the council tax and that they be
given a term of imprisonment in line with current guidelines.
The Council are bound by the courts decision and
any alteration to that decision has to be made by the court
itself.
The Magistrates have the option of committing to
prison, remitting part or all of the debt, or making an order for
payments by weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, which are
monitored by the Councils court officer and reported back to the
magistrates on a date fixed by the court for review.
For futher information:
- Contact:
Recovery Officer
- Email:
recovery@eden.gov.uk
- Telephone: (01768) 212217 /
212247 / 212221 212189
- Fax: (01768) 890653
