Bankruptcy Looms for Council Tax 'Payers' Who Won't Pay

North Norfolk District Council has decided to get tough with local residents who refuse to pay their council tax when they have the means to do so. It intends to recover tax from persistent debtors by pressing for them to be declared bankrupt.

At present there are more than 230 people in North Norfolk who each owe in excess of £1000 in Council tax, making a total debt of £365,000 - and many of the residents are homeowners who will now be targeted by the Council's new robust and rigorous action.

"Most people pay their council tax, and we bend over backwards to help and accommodate those who tell us they are in financial difficulty and need time or special arrangements to pay," said Tony Ing, NNDC's Head of Revenues. "There are some, however, who are quite able to pay but won't, and show absolutely no desire or intention of so doing. They use and enjoy all the local services provided, but they're happy for other people to pay for them on their behalf. Having tried unsuccessfully in many other ways to recover the debts, the Council now plans to pursue these 'committed defaulters' for every penny they owe."

Where a resident owes council tax in excess of £750 and is believed to have assets, or owns or has equity in his or her own property, the Council - after careful consideration of each individual case, and in consultation with the local councillor(s) - may now agree that bankruptcy proceedings should be issued against the debtor. If bankruptcy is declared, the Council is likely to recover from the estate not only the tax owed and interest on the debt, but also all the costs for pursuing the action.

ENDS

For more information about council tax and NNDC's new 'bankruptcy' policy, call Tony Ing, Head of Revenues and ICT, on 01263 516080.