You will only receive 2 reminder notices in any one financial year.

After 2 reminders have been issued you can be issued with a summons .

Summons The Council can apply to the Magistrates Court for a Liability Order to be granted. You'll receive a Summons informing you about this through the post .The Summons will tell you the date and time of the hearing and the full amount payable, including costs of £65.00 for the issue of the Summons. If full payment including costs is made before the hearing date the court will be informed and no further action will take place.

Court Hearing The Council will make an application in the Court for a Liability Order to be granted because you have not paid as required.  If you feel your Liability for Council Tax is incorrect please contact the Council Tax team before the hearing date so that your account can be checked.

Please note that the Magistrates cannot take into account claims for Council Tax Benefit and or appeals to the Valuation Tribunal. 

If you still dispute your Liability,  you can put your case to the Magistrates. Otherwise, your attendance at Court is not required.

Liability Order This gives the Council further powers to collect the Council Tax. It allows us to obtain information about your employment or benefit details.  This will incur further costs of £30.00.

The Council can demand to have money deducted from your salary in accordance with the Government guidelines. This is called an Attachment of Earnings

 Deduction from Benefits The Council can request that payments are made direct from some benefits to pay outstanding Council Tax subject to the Liability Order.

Bailiff The Council can send the Liability Order to certificated Bailiffs. This will mean that you will incur further statutory costs. Bailiffs can seize and sell certain goods (belongings) to the value of the Council Tax owed.

Charging Order If you own your own property the Council can apply to the County Court to have a charge placed against your home.  The Charging Order works in the same way as a mortgage – it would have to be paid if you sell the property. The Council could apply to the court to order you to sell your property to satisfy the charge

Bankruptcy The Council can apply to the County Court to have you made Bankrupt. This is a very serious step that would affect your ability to get credit and could lead to you losing your home and you would be liable for Solicitors costs and insolvency fees.

Bankruptcy action would only be considered once the Council has gathered and considered information regarding an individual.

Committal Hearing The law allows Councils to apply to the Magistrates Court to have a person sent to prison where there is ‘Culpable neglect’ or ‘Wilful refusal to pay. ’   This action would only be considered once all other methods of recovery have failed.

If you are having problems/difficulties paying your Council Tax help can be provided by calling the Recovery department on 01376 557722 or email payadvice@braintree.gov.uk

For impartial advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.