Bailiffs calling on persistent debtors

Bailiffs could soon be paying a visit to hundreds of people who have deliberately not paid their council tax and business rates. They will take possession of goods and property, unless the debtors make arrangements to pay what they owe beforehand.

The people being targeted owe North Norfolk District Council a total of £665,000 in council tax or business rates - money which would be used to fund local services - and have had at least four requests for payment before now. Around £280,000 of that is new debt accumulated in 2008/09.

The bailiffs will start the crackdown on 9 February. Those who have outstanding debts are urged to contact the bailiff by 6 February to agree how they will pay back their debt, and over what period of time (the bailiff may still need to visit their property, to inspect any assets that can be used as security against the debt). The bailiff will have written to debtors in the past, so they should have contact details, or they can call NNDC's Council Tax Team on 01263 516230 to get this information.

If the debtors do not make arrangements to pay, their goods or property seized during the crackdown will be sold at auction to help pay off their debt.

Councillor Peter Moore, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: "The Council's Help and Advice Team can give advice to people who are having difficulties, or you could contact the Citizens' Advice Bureau and get independent, confidential debt counselling. There are council tax benefits to help people in real need, and discounts, exemptions or relief for council tax and business rates payers. Please contact the Council before your debt becomes a real problem."

Councillor Moore continued: "It is everybody's duty to pay council tax, and it's only fair that we pay it. If you don't pay or choose not to, you are adding to everyone else's burden of tax at a time when we can ill afford it, and you are threatening services that vulnerable people are going to need badly at a time of recession."

ENDS