Received a Debt Collection letter for missed Council Tax payments

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foxglove1
foxglove1 Posts: 1 Newbie
in Reclaim mortgage fees, council tax, etc
I've not been too well the last couple of months and was also recently in hospital ill so my mind has been a little all over the place. I came home from work today and received a letter saying Summary Warrant court proceedings have been concluded against me for missing council tax payments.

I checked my statements and realised the letter was correct and I did forget to to pay August and September ( usually £150/month)

At no point did I receive any letter notifying me of the missed payments or any other warnings until now from the Council. The letter is demanding I pay the debt collectors £1036 for some reason but doesn't tell me why. My payments until now have been up to date and paid monthly.

I'm not sure the best way to handle this going forward. Can I just pay the amount I owe, phone them and complain the didn't warn me? Are they allowed to give me a fine with no warnings at all?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 26,612 Forumite
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    Council Tax is a priority debt. Failure to pay it can result in serious consequences.

    I recommend you contact you local Council at the earliest opportunity.

    Be aware that "not being too well" is not an excuse that will be accepted.

    I also recommend you set up a standing order for future Council Tax payments...
  • Socajam
    Socajam Posts: 1,238 Forumite
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    I agree with Moneyineptitud.
    I would also log onto the council's website and create an account, that way you will or should be able to see all of your account payments and any arrears due.
    The extra that is charged may be fees added on by the court.
    You need to address this as a matter of urgency.
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260 Forumite
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    There would have been at least one reminder notice issued first. Once that has happened, with it being Scotland, you get very little notice of further action - unlike England they do not send you a summons to notify you that action is being taken.
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,598 Forumite
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    Why not use a direct debit OP ?
  • wagtamm
    wagtamm Posts: 20 Forumite
    edited 21 September 2019 at 9:28AM
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    foxglove1 wrote: »
    I've not been too well the last couple of months and was also recently in hospital ill so my mind has been a little all over the place. I came home from work today and received a letter saying Summary Warrant court proceedings have been concluded against me for missing council tax payments.

    I checked my statements and realised the letter was correct and I did forget to to pay August and September ( usually £150/month)

    At no point did I receive any letter notifying me of the missed payments or any other warnings until now from the Council. The letter is demanding I pay the debt collectors £1036 for some reason but doesn't tell me why. My payments until now have been up to date and paid monthly.

    I'm not sure the best way to handle this going forward. Can I just pay the amount I owe, phone them and complain the didn't warn me? Are they allowed to give me a fine with no warnings at all?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    https://www.counciltaxadvisors.co.uk/blog/a-summary-warrant-and-what-to-do-if-youre-notified-of-one-2/

    They would certainly have written to you before this occurred.
    You may want to bring this to the attention of Royal Mail if you are sure the correspondence was not delievered (as opposed to being lost or stolen after delivery)
    If there is any evidence of theft, consider reporting that to the police.

    Not sure what 'fine' you are referring to? :huh:
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260 Forumite
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    It is not a fine. They are referring to the flat rate 10% costs charge that is added in Scotland on the application for a summary warrant (slightly different method compared to the costs costs which are added in England/Wales)
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
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