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 Non Domestic Rates is incorrect please contact the Non Domestic rates team before the hearing date so that your account can be checked.

Please note that the Magistrates cannot take into account appeals to the Valuation Office.

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 Non Domestic Rates. This will incur further costs of £30.00.

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 Non Domestic Rates owed.

Please be aware: No warning letter advising you that Bailiff action will be taken will be sent by the Council once a Liability Order has been obtained.

Bankruptcy/Liquidation The Council can apply to the County Court to have an individual made personally Bankrupt OR a company to be Wound Up. This is a very serious step that would affect your ability to get credit and could lead to you losing your home/business and you would be liable for Solicitors costs and insolvency fees.

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

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.  Committal action can only be taken for Non Domestic Rates against a named person.

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