What happens if you don't pay?

Before court action

We would like to keep the amount of recovery action to a minimum. At any time that payment becomes difficult or there is a problem with your account, please let us know immediately. We may be able to make alternative payment arrangements. We will also ensure that you are receiving all the reductions you are entitled to.

E-mail council.tax@derby.gov.uk to contact us now or telephone the number shown at the top of your bill.

Enforcement

The Council are required under the legislation to issue reminders or final notices for non-payment. The whole balance of the council tax may become due if an instalment is late or missed more than twice.

If payments are not brought up to date or paid in full, the council will issue a summons to attend the magistrates court. Unless there are legal grounds for non- payment, a liability order will be granted by the Magistrates.

The liability order allows us to recover the debt from other sources:

• By attachment of earnings
• By deductions from Income Support
• By instructing the bailiff
• By taking bankruptcy proceedings
• By commitment to prison by the Magistrates.

We would much prefer that anyone having problems contact us early in order to make a satisfactory arrangement rather than having to use these recovery methods.