Emergency advice needed - County Court Judgement mix-up

missmagpie_2

Hello

I am new to this forum so apologies if I am posting in the wrong section but urgently need advice!

Long story short - I had been living in a flat for three months (Feb to May this year) and moved out just a few days ago. Just before moving out, I found some mail for me that had been misplaced.

Now, I knew I was about six weeks behind with council tax payments with the flat but didn't think it was a huge emergency, as was planning to pay it all off this week. However, the letters I found were a bit of a shock.

It seems that in May, the city council issued a county court summons for me, due to me being late with my council tax (no more than 4-6 weeks late max). I also missed my court date, which was 28th May, as I knew nothing about it. I am not sure what will happen now. I suffer from an anxiety disorder so am afraid to call up the city council about it.

To put you in the picture, they are me asking for an entire 12 months council tax payments in advance, till 2015, to the sum of approx.£1200. I'm not even sure why.

I only lived in the flat for February to May this year, and have now paid off all the council tax owed (I paid the arrears online today). But now there's a CCJ against my name demanding £1200.

I am really scared and don't know what to do. I was planning to save up and buy a flat in the next year or so, but I know that CCJ's can be on your records for six years. I am afraid my future will be ruined. i am also afraid I will be forced to pay the full year's council tax for a flat I lived in for three months.

I am also afraid to call the city council office as am in such a panic and am afraid they are going to demand I turn up in court or something. Due to my anxiety disorder, this is difficult for me to cope with - even phoning them will be difficult. I am terrified of being made to go to court.

Please help, not sure what to do now, what my options are or the next best step.

Many thanks.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

You need to contact the council and sort this out. It is standard practice to demand the whole year's council tax if an agreement is broken, but once you prove you've moved out they should waive the additional charges (although you'll have to pay court costs).

They may not have secured judgement yet, or if they have, if you can prove you've paid what you owe you might have avoided a CCJ by the skin of your teeth (you have 28 days from the date of judgement to pay before a CCJ is fixed).

Do not delay. Phone them today. Get this sorted out now.

Oh and for the record - DO NOT fall behind with Council Tax or mortgage payments.

[Deleted User]

Where have you moved to?

Is it in the same Council Tax area (ie. do you still pay Council Tax to the same Council), and are you the person liable for Council Tax, at your current address?

missmagpie_2

Thanks for your replies.

In answer to your questions, I am still in the same council tax area but am staying with a friend right now so not responsible for the council tax in her home, if that makes sense.

Can I stop the CCJ?

[Deleted User]

In that case, you need to point out to the Council, that they are trying to charge you CT, for a period when you aren't liable.

missmagpie_2

Thank you both so much for your help, Bedsit Bob and Lioness Twinkletoes . I got it sorted but only had the courage to phone them as you were kind enough to help me. Much appreciated.

x :-)