Council Tax arrears (Scotland)

Bananaman78

I recently received a letter from Scott & Co debt collection agency acting on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council chasing what I assume is a council tax debt of around £550. The letter states the sum is due for a period "pre 2012" for a property that I previously stayed in 10yrs ago - tenancy ran from April 2002 -April 2004. I had no idea this debt even existed until I received this letter & I've certainly had no previous correspondence regarding it before now either. My question is can this alleged debt still be pursued after all this time? I've read various bits of info saying it's covered by the prescriptions & limitations act but then read others where it says it's not, can anyone clear this up for me? Incidentally the property in question no longer exists having been demolished by the council 3yrs ago, probably not of any relevance to the situation but thought I'd mention it anyway.

wannabe_credit_free

I don't think council tax debt is statute barred, same as the tax man, who can hound you for ever, you can be imprisoned if you refuse to pay..

dancingfairy

I don't think council tax becomes statute barred in the same way. I don't think it's a debt covered under the consumer credit act. What I suggest you do is write to the council and find out what the debt is and what period it relates to. You can then explain to them you don't think you are liable (if you aren't) and supply them with any proof you may have. You can also ask why you haven't been contacted about this before.
I would imagine National Debtline and Stepchange have scottish sections that would help you on this.
df
edit: depending on the legal process in scotland you may have to take some legal action to get the debt put on hold or to dispute it. I'm not sure whether querying it with the council would be enough to do this or not I'm afraid.

Geddin

From my experience working in Scottish local authority, the council will be able to answer questions regarding the account in question, how and why payment is due, however you will now need to deal with Scoot and co regarding payment.

In Scotland, they won't wait around. They will seek enforcement through sherif court, then swiftly move to earnings arrestment if necessary. Then the money will be taken from your employer out of your wage, before you get it

National_Debtline

Hello there,

The limitation period for council tax in Scotland is twenty years. Given what's been written, so it sounds like the local authority may still be able to use the legal system for the recovery of the money. That said, it could be worth considering a maladministration complaint considering the age of the debt.

We have a council tax fact sheet which outlines some of the options available for dealing with arrears, you can find it by clicking here.

Best wishes,

David @natdebtline

Bananaman78

Firstly, thanks to all above for your advice this far & apologies for not thanking you sooner!

I have since sent a letter to Scott & Co regarding the alleged debt (denying all knowledge & clearly stating I do not acknowledge it) so I will update further when I receive a reply. No doubt I will need further advice from all in this forum when the reply comes!