FAQs - Reminders / Finals / Summonses

Questions include:
What happens if I don't pay my council tax on time?
Why doesn't the Council issue more than two reminders in a single financial year?
Why can't I pay my instalment at the end of the month?
What if I can't afford the amount die on the bill or reminder?
Why do you issue Summonses?
Will my credit record be affected by a summons?

Q: What happens if I don't pay my Council Tax on time?
A: If you fail to make a payment to us you will be sent either a reminder notice, a final notice or a Court Summons. We will send no more than 2 reminders in a financial year, if you fail to pay an instalment after that you will be sent a Final Notice.

Q: Why doesn't the Council issue more than two reminders in a single financial year?
A: The legislation that governs how Council Tax is collected states that we do not need to issue more than two reminders in a financial year. We can then send out a Final Notice which explains that the instalment facility has been withdrawn and the full year's balance is due in one sum.

Q: Why can't I pay my instalments at the end of the month?
A: The Council's instalment date is the 2nd of the month and the vast majority of our customers pay on or just after the 2nd, many by Direct Debit. It is important we collect all of the Council Tax promptly so that important local services can be maintained. If you want to pay at the end of the month your payment must still be received by the date the instalment is due, e.g. if the instalment is due on 2nd April your payment should me made at the end of March not April.

Q: What if I can't afford the amount due on the bill or reminder?
A: The first thing to do is contact the Council Tax team and explain your circumstances. Arrangements for payment can be made if a Final Notice or summons has been issued to you.
You can also make a claim for Council Tax Benefit click here to make an enquiry.

You may also like to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01276 684342 who can provide general help and advice on budgeting and dealing with debts. Click here for Citizens Advice Bureau website. Opens in a new window

Q: Why do you issue Summonses?
A: If instalments are not kept up to date after we have issued at least one reminder a summons is issued. Court costs of £63.00 are added to your account when a summons has to be issued. If you pay the full amount due on the summons no further action will be taken. If not we will apply to the Magistrates' Court for a Liability Order which allows us to pass the debt to bailiffs for collection or deduct money from your earnings or benefit.

Q: Will my credit record be affected by a Summons?
A: No. We take legal action through Magistrates Courts and not County Courts so your credit record won't be affected if you receive a summons.

How can I get more information?

Informative leaflets are sent out with every reminder, final notice and summons we issue which answer the most commonly asked questions. If you have any other queries please use the online Council Tax Enquiry Form or contact us on 01276 707145.

surreyheath.gov.uk

FAQs - Reminders / Finals / Summonses