Court hearing

If you choose to go to the court hearing, the Magistrates will ask if you have a valid defence which will stop a liability order being granted.

Examples of valid defences are:

• the amount has not been demanded in accordance with the regulations. For example, the Council failed to follow the correct time periods in serving bills and reminders 
• the amount has been paid
• you are not liable for the amount on the summons

If the court doesn't deem you have a valid defence, the court will make a liability order agaist you.

This means the Council can take enforcement action against you in order to recover the debt.