The majority of people pay their Business Rates on time, some people have genuine difficulties in meeting payments, and a very small minority choose to avoid payment of Business Rates.
If you experience serious financial difficulties please click here for agencies that can give impartial help and advice on your situation.
Every Council has a duty to collect Business Rates on behalf of Central Government.
If a summons has been issued and the court grants a liability order for the debt the council can take a number of actions to recover outstanding monies. (Please note, Additional costs are incurred following the issue of a summons.)
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An Arrangement can be made to pay off the debt in a number of instalments payable by the end of the current financial year.
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Bailiffs will be instructed to collect the debt on behalf of the Council the day after the Court hearing if no arrangement has been made.
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If the liability order has been returned as unsuccessful the Council has the option of taking Committal action against an individual, this can lead to imprisonment. This recovery option cannot be taken on a limited company.
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A Statutory Demand can also be served on an individual or a limited company where the debt is over £1000.00, this can result in Bankruptcy / Liquidation proceedings.
