The Begining of the Recovery Process

 

The first time that you fail to pay a Business Rates instalment on time, we will send you a reminder asking you to bring your account up to date within 7 days.

 

You are required by Law to pay your Business Rates instalments on time. We are also required by Law to make sure these payments are made. Sending a reminder notice means that the we can legally take Court action against you if your account is not brought up to date and maintained.

 

If you receive a reminder you should pay the amount shown on the reminder immediately. Details of how to pay can be found on this website or you can make a debit card payment here.

 

If you are unable to make payment immediately, staff are available to discuss any financial problems that you may have and in many cases we are able to agree alternative payment arrangements. If you think you have already paid the amount on the Reminder, do not ignore this notice. Please contact us at Business Rates straight away.

 

If you fail to make contact and don't bring your account up to date, we will not issue any further reminders. You will lose your right to pay by instalments and we will take Court action against you.

 

If you pay the amount required by the notice, and you are late with your payments again, then you will be issued with a final notice. This means that you have lost your right to pay by instalments and the remainder of your full yearly amount becomes due and payable. If you do not pay in full, we will take Court action against you. 

 

Summonses                

 

If you receive a Summons and are able to do so, you must pay the amount shown on the summons including the court costs.

 

If you are unable to pay the amount shown on the summons or you think the summons is wrong, you should contact us at Business Rates immediately to discuss your account.

 

We will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may be able to make a payment arrangement.

 

If you have not paid the amount shown on the summons including costs, or you have not agreed a payment arrangement with us, we will take further recovery action.

 

If you fail to contact us your case will be presented to the Magistrates on the Hearing Date shown on the Summons.  The Council will ask the Magistrates to grant a Liability Order whether you attend or not, and this will incur further costs.

 

The reason for the Court Hearing will be to determine that you are liable and you have not paid your bill as requested. If the Magistrate agrees with us that you are liable for the charge, we have issued your bill correctly, and you have not paid they will grant the Council a Liability Order.

 

You do not need to attend the Magistrates Court if you do not wish to do so, but there will be Business Rates staff in attendance should you wish to make an arrangement to pay.

 

If you wish to attend, you will have the opportunity to offer your defence for non-payment.

 

After the Court Hearing Date we will send you a notice informing you that the Magistrates have granted us a Liability Order.