Council Tax Court Summons

[BigGingerBob]

Good evening,

Yesterday afternoon I got home from work and was greeted by a letter from the council. Inside this letter was a court summons for non payment of council tax 650 pounds or thereabouts.
This year I have had a lot on my plate and have completely forgotten to pay the tax. My fault I know but I have been very preoccupied by other things.
I don't have the money. My girlfriend and I are living off my wage (about 16k) atm because the shop we opened in June isn't busy in winter (tourist area, things will pick up from here on in).
What can I do?!
I don't want to go to court, I don't want ccjs or anything, I just want to get this paid and be within the law.
Can someone help me put my mind at rest and give some advice please?
Scary situation at the moment.

Thanks.

[essayer]

Contact the council first thing tomorrow morning and try to negotiate a payment plan. They can then cancel the summons.

The court hearing will just be to ascertain whether you owe the money and how it can be recovered at that point - your options to negotiate will be very limited if you wait until then, plus you will have court fees etc.

Have you checked whether you are receiving all benefits etc to which you are entitled? Might help you along these months.

Good luck!

Edited by essayer on Sunday 21st February 19:04

[hashtag]

Phone and arrange a payment plan.

That reminds me I must make a payment on mine!

[Ozzie Osmond]

BigGingerBob said:

This year I have had a lot on my plate and have completely forgotten to pay the tax.

I don't have the money.

It's a waste of everybody's time and money having to chase up this sort of nonsense.

[megaphone]

As said call the council and tell them you'd like to pay. For future reference, you can pay over 10 months, spread the cost.

[randlemarcus]

megaphone said:

As said call the council and tell them you'd like to pay. For future reference, you can pay over 10 months, spread the cost.

They don't like it, but you are able to pay over 12 months, to spread the cost even further

[Eric Mc]

Standard payment terms is for 10 equal payments spread over 10 months. You should try to set that up as soon as possible.