Council obtains Liability Orders to ensure collection of unpaid council tax

Councillor Allen Brett

Rochdale Council has obtained Liability Orders from the magistrates court to ensure they can collect any unpaid council tax.

Rochdale Online reported on Saturday 13 December, the council is passing on unpaid council tax accounts to enforcement agents to collect after Liability Orders have been obtained.

A Liability Order is a legal demand for payment.

Pauline Kane, Director of Finance at Rochdale Council, said: “We have obtained Liability Orders from Bury Magistrates Court against all residents whose unpaid council tax has been issued to Enforcement Agents. This step is only taken after issuing reminder notices and summons.”

At a meeting of Rochdale Council’s Cabinet Committee on Monday (15 December), Councillor Alan Bret, Cabinet Member for Finance, reminded those in attendance that these measures are for people who can pay council tax but are refusing to do so.

He said: “I must stress that this is for the people who are able to pay their council tax but are simply refusing to. These measures will help us increase our collection and reduce the debt. If any councillor is contacted by someone who is struggling to pay then tell them to talk to us. We want people to talk to us. We don’t want any more debt and the people who can pay but won’t pay are having an impact on everyone else.”

A change to the law has seen enforcement agents replace bailiffs and new ‘fixed fees’ being introduced.

Residents will have to pay a £75 fee if the council pass an unpaid account to an enforcement agent to collect. If they do not make arrangements to pay and a visit from an enforcement agent becomes necessary, further fees will apply – it is understood that these fees can reach up to £235.

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93135/enforcement-agents-to-collect-unpaid-council-tax