Summons
If you don't pay after a reminder or final notice has been issued, a summons will be sent to you.
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Why have I received a summons?
If I bring my instalments up to date, can the costs be withdrawn?
You will need to pay the full year's balance, including costs of £57.50 to avoid the case going to court. If you can do this, no further action will be taken or costs incurred.
How to pay
You can make a payment online.
By phone
You can make payment using all major credit and debit cards by phoning our 24 hour automated payment line 0345 605 3016.
Direct Debit
Setting up a direct debit is the only way to continue paying by instalments once a summons has been issued. This is classed as a 'special arrangement', and a letter will be sent to you to confirm that the direct debit is in place. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 15th or 30th of each month, and spread the balance over the remainder of the financial year.
I can't pay the full year's balance, what should I do?
If you can't pay your balance in full, including costs, before the hearing date, we will request a liability order in the magistrates court.
Making an arrangement to pay
Although you have lost the right to pay by instalments, we will make a payment arrangement with you if:
- you are able to set up a direct debit, OR
- you have exceptional circumstances
Any arrangements that we make will include the £60 summons costs, plus any costs incurred in obtaining a liability order (£35).
Direct debits
Paying by direct debit is the easiest way to keep up with your payments and avoid further recovery action. You can choose to pay on the 1st, 15th or 30th of each month, over 10 or 12 instalments. We may be able to spread any arrears, including costs, over the remaining months in the financial year.
Once you have completed this form, we will set up the direct debit for you and send you a confirmation letter telling you when the instalments start and how much to pay.
Exceptional circumstances
In some cases, we may be able to set up a special arrangement with you. If you have exceptional circumstances, or are unable to set up a direct debit, contact us using the form below.
Help managing debt
If you need help managing your debts, you can contact Citizens Advice. The number to call is 03444 111 444.
Debt advice is also available on the Citizens Advice website.
The National Debt Advice Line is also available https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
Do I have to go to court?
If you accept that you are liable for the charge set out in the summons you do not need to go to court. We will apply for a liability order, which gives us the authority to continue the recovery action if required.
Costs
Whether you attend court or not, you will be charged £35 if a liability is granted. This will be added to your council tax balance for the year.
Contacting us
If it is your intention to appear at court to defend the council's application for a liability order you should first contact our Income team direct on 0345 605 3011 to discuss your case, or contact us using the form below.
Your issues may be resolved, saving you, the council, and the court time and money.
Will I still have to pay additional court costs if I make an arrangement to pay before the hearing?
If you make a payment arrangement with us, you will still need to pay any costs that have been incurred through the recovery process. This is usually:
- £60.00 summons costs
- £35 liability order costs
We can include these costs in any special arrangements that we make with you.
Help managing debt
If you need help managing your debts, you can contact Citizens Advice. The number to call is 03444 111 444.
Debt advice is also available on the Citizens Advice website.
The National Debt Advice Line is also available https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
Will my name or address be 'black listed'?
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