Page last updated at 13:29 GMT, Tuesday, August 3 2010
Council Tax Recovery
Council Tax is payable over 10 monthly instalments if the demand
is issued before 30 April. The number of instalments will be
reduced if the demand is issued after 30 April. The
instalments required are shown on your bill and payment for each
instalment must reach the Council on or before the dates shown on
the bill. Late payment or failure to pay the instalment(s)
will result in recovery action being taken.
First Reminder - If an instalment is not received
by the due date, a reminder notice will be issued for the overdue
instalment(s). If the instalment(s) remain unpaid after seven
days, the remainder of the year's charge becomes due (this amount
is detailed on the reminder notice) and must be paid in full.
Failure to pay the whole amount due will result in the issue of a
summons.
Second Reminder - If the instalment on the
first reminder is paid within the 7 days limit, you may continue to
pay under the original payment scheme. If a further
instalment is not received by the due date, a further reminder
notice will be sent. If the instalment(s) remain unpaid after
seven days, the remainder of the year's charge becomes due (this
amount is detailed on the reminder notice) and must be paid in
full. Failure to pay the whole amount due will result in the
issue of a summons.
Final Notice - If the instalment on the second
reminder is paid within the 7 days limit, you may again continue to
pay under the original payment scheme. If a further
instalment is not received by the due date you will lose the right
to pay by instalments and a final notice for the remainder of the
year's charge will be sent. Failure to pay the whole amount
due will result in the issue of a summons.
Issue of a summons
Failure to comply with the above notices will result in the issue
of a summons for the balance outstanding for the remainder of the
year plus costs. If these amounts are not paid in full, the
Council will apply to the Magistrates for a Liability Order, which
will again result in further costs being added to your
account. The Liability Order gives the Council the power to
request details of your income and obtain payment of the
outstanding debt and costs in several ways including:
Attachment of Earnings: Deductions from your
wage/salary vary from 3% to 17% depending on your take-home pay and
are made in accordance with a scale set by the Government.
Your employer is entitled to make an additional deduction for
administering this order.
Deductions from Benefits: If you are in
receipt of either Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance, and you
do not already have an Attachment of Benefit Order, the Council
will advise the Benefits Agency and deductions will be made
directly from your benefit.
Removal of Goods or Property: Your debt may
be passed to the Council's Civil Enforcement Agents who are
authorised to either make a suitable payment arrangement with you
or to seize goods or possessions up to the value of the amount owed
and sell them to settle the debt. This will incur additional
costs which may be substantial.
Committal to Prison: After all other
applicable recovery options have been tried and full payment of the
outstanding arrears has not been paid, the Council will apply to
the Court for the debtor to be sent to prison for a period of up to
90 days. This action will result in substantial costs being
added to your outstanding charge.
Bankruptcy: If your outstanding debt totals £750
or more and you own your property, the Council may petition the
court to make you bankrupt. This action will affect your
ability to obtain credit and may result in the loss of your
home.
It is therefore in your best interests to contact us
immediately if you are unable to pay an amount that is due or
you are experiencing financial difficulties. Please contact
the Council Tax Section immediately for advice and to discuss an
alternative arrangement.
Civic Offices Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday 8.30am - 5.00pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Telephone : 023 8068 8470 / email. revbens@eastleigh.gov.uk
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