Court Summons over Council Tax

A question about : Court Summons over Council Tax

Hello everyone,

Today I received a court summons from the local council due to non payment of council tax. I was totally shocked as I thought I had set up a direct debit. The amount of tax was Ј51.82 and the court authority costs were Ј110.0. The liability date was from 09/03/2013 to 31/03/2013. This was the date I moved into the property. This is the first letter I have received from the council regarding council tax missed payments.

I checked my bank statement and I have monthly payments to the council for Ј82.00. With the most recent one coming out on 01/08/2013.

Will I have to pay the Ј110.00 court authority costs? I can afford to pay the council tax but would rather not pay the Ј110.00. I have no idea why the money has not been taken when I set up my direct debit.

Any help and advice is much appreciated!

Best answers:

• Ask the bank and council in writing when the direct debit was set up. If there was a direct debit set up when you apparently didn't pay, you have a defence as the Council simply failed to collect payment. You'll still need to pay the arrears but shouldn't have to pay the court costs, if that is the case.
• I have an email confirming the direct debit was set up on the 30/04/2013
• Thanks for the help guys! I'll contact them on monday.