Non payment leads to custodial sentence
Local magistrates have handed down a three month custodial sentence for non payment of Council Tax. At a recent hearing Louis Thomas Patrick Dunne, 55, of Spencer Yard, Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa was found guilty of culpable neglect for non payment of Council Tax.
The council is taking an increasingly firm stand against those who, without good reason, won’t pay their Council Tax. Home owners with outstanding Council Tax of £750 or more, are putting themselves in potential danger of losing their home through bankruptcy proceedings. The Council has commenced bankruptcy action in a number of cases, targeting debtors who will not pay and for whom previous recovery methods have been unsuccessful. If a bankruptcy order is made by the Court a home can be sold to pay debts.
Jacqui Taplin, Senior Recovery and Court Officer for the Council said: “This is not an action the Council takes lightly. Court is the last resort. If residents are having genuine difficulties in making payment then help and advice is readily available. We would rather agree special payment arrangements than have to take such action. However, in cases where debtors refuse to pay and other recovery action has failed to secure payment, then there is no alternative but to seek commitment to prison.”
Council Leader, Councillor Michael Coker said: “It is always regrettable that imprisonment or bankruptcy action becomes necessary. However, we have an obligation to those who are paying to make sure those who aren’t are dealt with accordingly. We have an equal obligation to help tax payers who cannot pay their Council Tax. Our debt recovery team is always ready to listen and help. We can also refer residents to benefit take-up or debt advice at the local Citizens Advice Bureau, a service which the Council helps to fund.”
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