Why have I been sent this summons?
You were sent a Council Tax bill that showed the amounts and dates of your payments. These payments were not made, so at least one reminder notice was sent. The reminder asked you to bring your payments up to date and keep them up to date. It also explained what would happen if you did not pay.
As you did not pay, a final notice was sent. This cancelled your right to pay by instalments. The full balance shown on the final notice was not paid by the date given. This has led to a summons for the outstanding balance, including £81 costs. You are legally required to pay this.
Manage your account online
You can view and manage your Council Tax account online.
To sign up for an online account, you need your email address and Council Tax account number. This is on your bill or summons. Once registered, you can check your balance, see payments made, and apply to make a repayment arrangement.
If you do not have internet access at home, our libraries and One Stop Shops can help you use a computer.
What do I need to do if I get a summons?
You need to make the full payment before the hearing date. This will stop the case going to court and avoid extra costs of £43.
Although a Liability Order will be requested at the hearing, a payment arrangement (including court costs) is shown on the summons.
What if I have paid?
If you have paid, contact the Council Tax office. You can also check your account online.
What happens if I still do not pay?
The council will ask the court to issue a Liability Order against you. If granted, the council will add £43 costs. A letter will be sent confirming your new balance and asking for information.
Do I have to attend court?
Most queries can be sorted without going to court. If you have a query, contact the Council Tax office before the court date. We will try to help and advise you.
Unless the debt has been paid or was wrongly charged, the magistrates must issue a Liability Order. You do have a right to present your case. However, most queries can be resolved without attending court.
If you go to court, bring your summons with you. The magistrates court cannot make payment arrangements.
What is a Liability Order?
A Liability Order allows the council to ask for information about your finances. If you do not give this information or give false information, you could face criminal charges and a fine.
The order also allows the council to use other ways to collect the debt if we cannot agree an arrangement or you do not keep to an arrangement. These include:
- deductions from your salary
- a deduction of £3.70 a week from Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance, Pension Credit or £3.95 a week from Universal Credit
- referral to an enforcement agent (bailiff). If this happens, you will have to pay extra fees:
- £75 when the case is passed to the enforcement agent
- £235 if you do not respond and a visit is made
- bankruptcy or charging orders
If the enforcement agent cannot collect the debt, the council can ask the magistrates court to send you to prison.
Find out more about Council Tax recovery proceedings and Enforcement Agent fees
Do I have to pay by these methods?
No. The council wants full payment now, but we can offer an arrangement based on your finances. If you keep to the arrangement, we will not use deductions or enforcement agents. You may still be asked for financial details.
Any arrangement that goes past the court date will include liability order costs of £43.
What if I cannot pay?
We understand debt problems. Contact us as soon as possible so we can help.
If you owe other debts to the council, tell us. We may be able to offer one arrangement for all debts under our Fair Debt Policy. This will make it easier for you to keep up payments.
If we agree an arrangement (including costs), no further action will be taken as long as you pay as agreed. If you miss a payment, the arrangement will be cancelled and recovery action will continue.
You can pay by Direct Debit on the 5th, 12th, 20th or 28th of the month.
You can also apply for an arrangement online
What happens if I have appealed against my Council Tax banding?
Council Tax is still due based on the original bill. The court cannot deal with your appeal. Paying will not affect your appeal. If your appeal is successful, any overpayment will be refunded or used to reduce future bills.
What is the Council Tax Support scheme and how can I apply?
Council Tax Support helps people on certain benefits or with low income. You can claim if you are working, self-employed, unemployed or retired.
Find out more about Council Tax Support
If you already get Universal Credit or want to claim, you must make a separate claim to Wirral Council for Council Tax support.
You must keep paying your Council Tax while your claim or appeal is being considered. If your claim is successful, you will get a new bill.