Council gets tough with tax dodgers
Over 1,000 to face court over £827,000 unpaid tax
HUNDREDS of council tax dodgers who collectively owe more than £827,000 in outstanding fees face paying up or being locked up.
Last week magistrates at the Upper Bond Street courthouse agreed to 1,131 liability orders amounting to £827,596.05 in money owned to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
The liability orders force the debtors to pay up or face prosecution with the prospect of jail as the ultimate punishment.
At the same time the authority obtained 32 liability orders in respect of outstanding Business Improvement District (BID) payments amounting to £7,785.05.
It is thought the huge amount in unpaid council tax coincides with final reminders for last year’s bills.
A council spokesman said if residents fall into arrears reminders are issued and if no payment is forthcoming within seven days, further action is instigated with a complaint laid before the local magistrates’ court.
This provides 16 days notice with people urged to contact the council to sort out the debt or notify them of a dispute.
The spokesman added: “We try and do everything we can to help residents to make the most of their incomes and reduce their debts before they become a problem. By agreeing reasonable arrangements the council will seek to avoid, where possible, additional court costs, collection agent fees and administration fees being added to the debt.”
A liability order is the last resort when a householder has failed to organise repayments after a series of reminders.
People don’t have to attend court for the liability order to be granted and once the order is made the council has various options for enforcement including payment arrangements, attachment of earnings, deductions from benefits, attachment of members’ allowances, bailiff action or prosecution.