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Advice on Receiving a Court Summons

Summary

Answers to commonly asked questions about Court Summons and the procedure when a court summons is recieved.

What shall I do if I paid recently?

If you have paid the full amount for the year please telephone or email us to check we have received your payment.

What shall I do if I am unable to pay in full?

Please contact us to make an arrangement. This will include the court costs. We will still ask the court for a liability order, but further recovery action will be stopped as long as you stick to this arrangement.

Can I still get help if I am on a low income?

You can claim Council Tax Benefit at any time.

Do I have to attend the court hearing?

It is up to you. If you don't attend we will still apply for a liability order which may be granted in your absence. You may prefer to attend the court hearing if you feel that you should not pay. However, it is easier to sort this out before the court hearing.

What is a liability order?

A liability order allows the Council to take further recovery action. Please read the section what happens if I don’t pay.

What happens if I attend court?

A member of the court staff will advise you of the procedure.

A member of Council staff will also be there to help. After hearing both sides, the Magistrates will decide whether or not to grant a liability order.

Can I bring my children with me?

There are no facilities and children are not allowed into the Court room.

Other people in the household have also received a summons. Do we all have to pay the amount on the summons?

Every person named on the bill will receive a summons. Only one amount of council tax and court costs needs to be paid.

External links ...

Direct gov
Direct Gov
The official government website for citizens. Easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government.
Directgov's Benefits and Financial Support page.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizen's Advice guide to benefits.
Citizen's Advice Bureau's benefits page
 

About links to external sites.

Contact us ...

Team:
Money Matters
Telephone:
01473 825798
Minicom/textphone:
01473 825878
Fax:
01473 823594
Address:
Babergh District Council
Corks Lane
Hadleigh
IPSWICH
IP7 6SJ

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Last updated on: 06 October 2011 | Date of next review: 06 October 2012

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