Is non payment of council tax a criminal Offence Scotland?
You can be sent to prison for up to 3 months if the court decides you don’t have a good reason to not pay your Council Tax and you refuse to do so. If the court decides you have something to pay back you may be able to make an arrangement to pay your debt over time.
Is a council tax summons a CCJ?
No. The Council Tax Summons does not lead to a CCJ.
What happens if you don’t attend court summons?
If a public servant is unable to attend the court after being issued summons, the court has the power to issue a warrant against him. A notice can be sent to such a public servant to show cause as to why was there a failure on his part to not obey the summons.
Does a council tax court summons affect credit rating?
Receiving a summons for unpaid Council Tax doesn’t affect your credit rating.
Can bailiffs get a warrant for council tax?
Some bailiffs may go and apply for a warrant. If they get that warrant, they would come back to your home and try to gain entry again. This warrant gives them the right to enter your home by force. The fee for applying for this warrant will also be added to the money you owe.
What happens if you get a summons for not paying council tax?
If you have received a council tax court summons for not paying your council tax, this will not affect your credit rating. If you have not paid what you owe, the local authority will send a reminder asking you to pay within 7 days. If paid, your payments carry on as normal.
What to do if you receive a summons from the court?
If you receive a summons from the court, or have been threatened with prison, contact us for immediate advice. Before you go to the hearing you should get legal advice. Contact a local advice agency, a law centre or a solicitor.
Can the council collect Council Tax arrears?
Council tax is a priority debt. This fact sheet is about how your local council may try to collect council tax arrears. Council tax is a priority debt because the council has strong powers to make you pay. This means you should pay council tax before paying non-priority debts such as credit cards or unsecured loans.
What to do if you owe council tax to the Council?
Your council can ask a magistrate for a ‘liability order’ if you owe them unpaid Council Tax. This is a legal demand for payment. The council’s legal costs, eg for hiring a lawyer, may be added to the money you owe. You’re allowed to go to the court and give your reasons for not paying if you want.