If you receive a Summons and do not pay in full before the hearing, the Council will apply for a 'Liability Order'. A Liability Order gives the Council the right to use bailiffs to obtain payment, to start Bankruptcy/Liquidation proceedings in certain circumstances, or to ask the Magistrates Court to commit a person to prison.

By law, costs are payable when a Liability Order is obtained. After a Summons has been issued, the only way to stop the Council from asking for a Liability Order is to pay the full amount before the hearing. Even if an arrangement is made, the Council still has to obtain a Liability Order, but we will not take any of the actions which it allows us to take as long as you keep to the arrangement we have made with you.

Once a Liability Order has been granted you will be given the opportunity to make a short term payment arrangement with the Council, however if no arrangement is made the Liability Order will be passed to the Council's Bailiff incurring additional costs to be paid by you.

If you are unable to pay your Business Rates, please contact the office immediately by telephoning 01255 686266 to discuss the situation and to make a suitable payment arrangement. Alternatively get in touch with the Citizen's Advice Bureau who can offer advice on managing your finances - go to http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/ for more information.