Non-payment of business rates

Why have I been sent this summons?

Because you have missed one or more business rates payments you have lost the right to pay your business rates by instalments. You have failed to pay the full amount outstanding,

How can I sort this out? (Court costs are still payable)

• Pay the balance in full online within 14 days of the date of the summons or by telephoning 024 7683 2525.
• Sign up to pay by Direct Debit online or by telephoning 024 7683 2525. If you do this within 7 days of the date of the summons we may give you back your monthly instalments.
• Phone us on 024 7683 2525 if you cannot pay within 14 days of the date of the summons. Tell us details about your income and expenditure and we may give you monthly instalments.

See how to pay business rates for more details.

On the day of the hearing

If needed, you can attend Broadgate House, Customer Service Centre between 10.00 am to 11.30 am. Facilities will be in place for you to have a discussion with one of the Council's officers.

If you attend the Court on the day of the hearing you will be asked to attend Broadgate House to speak to a Council officer. If your query cannot be resolved and you wish to go before the Court because you believe you have a valid defence against the proceedings, the Council will liaise with the Court to arrange a date and time at which you can attend.

Why have I been charged court costs?

The Council is allowed to charge you reasonable costs for issuing the summons, which you must pay. The court costs cover expenses incurred such as administration, computer and Magistrates' court fees.

Do I need to attend the Magistrates' Court?

Your attendance is not required at court if you have paid the balance in full including the court costs.

If we make an arrangement for you to repay the debt then you do not need to attend and we will take no further action against you as long as payments are maintained, however we will still ask the Court for a liability order. 

What will happen if I do not pay in full or make an arrangement?

We will ask the Magistrates to issue a liability order against you. The liability order gives us various legal that we will use if you do not pay in full or make an arrangement to pay.

These powers include:

• Sending your debt to an Enforcement Agent. You will incur an immediate charge of £75 rising to a minimum of £310 if the debt remains unpaid. Enforcement Agents may take your goods or vehicles and sell them at auction.
• Start proceedings to make you bankrupt. This may result in you losing your home and/or business.
• Start committal proceedings which could result in you being sent to prison.