Court summons for unpaid council tax

KirstyO

Ring them.


I got a court summons for unpaid C Tax (genuine - when I was in debt it stopped getting paid). I rang up to try and avoid court (obviously), I arranged a payment plan there and then over the phone, court hearing was cancelled, and associated costs taken off. They were very reasonable, but I understand different councils operate differently, and some may be less lenient

[Deleted User]

I just wanted to update everyone not assume that anyone would be particularlly interested, but just to perhaps reassure people that some councils are very reasonable. Basically I rang up and was instantly offered to have the court costs removed if I could pay in full. I informed them that I had no problem paying the money, but I was a single occupant and had already been paying as such. So, they instantly discounted my owed balance, removed the court/council costs, in effect quartering what I owed (almost). So, just goes to show what happens when you ask! To think, I was very close to just paying the full balance and putting it behind me, without even speaking to them. Thanks all for your help!

m4rc

Well done, fantastic result!

JustAboutThere

Great to hear it worked out.

I do remember when I first started living solo, I had to confirm in writing the same to the Council. They need something on their records to show why the discount is being applied at your property.

sourcrates

jimbrenz wrote: »

I just wanted to update everyone not assume that anyone would be particularlly interested, but just to perhaps reassure people that some councils are very reasonable. Basically I rang up and was instantly offered to have the court costs removed if I could pay in full. I informed them that I had no problem paying the money, but I was a single occupant and had already been paying as such. So, they instantly discounted my owed balance, removed the court/council costs, in effect quartering what I owed (almost). So, just goes to show what happens when you ask! To think, I was very close to just paying the full balance and putting it behind me, without even speaking to them. Thanks all for your help!

Well done, sometimes pays to pick up the phone, good result !!!

fatbelly

jimbrenz wrote: »

I just wanted to update everyone not assume that anyone would be particularlly interested, but just to perhaps reassure people that some councils are very reasonable. Basically I rang up and was instantly offered to have the court costs removed if I could pay in full. I informed them that I had no problem paying the money, but I was a single occupant and had already been paying as such. So, they instantly discounted my owed balance, removed the court/council costs, in effect quartering what I owed (almost). So, just goes to show what happens when you ask! To think, I was very close to just paying the full balance and putting it behind me, without even speaking to them. Thanks all for your help!

I doubt my council would have been so helpful.

Do you want to identify yours as it seems to be a good one!