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The Cost of Recovery Action

Recovery costs

We are committed to ensuring that bills are kept as low as possible.

A quick collection means we can spend less time and money on sending reminders and final notices. This helps improve our cash flow.

Recovery costs are payable to cover the council's additional expenses which occur as a result of the extra work involved in recovery proceedings. It would not be fair to burden taxpayers, who pay on time, with these administrative costs.

Reminder/final notice

There are no costs for receiving a reminder or final notice.

Council tax summons

If you are summoned to the Magistrates Court you will incur £60 costs.

Council tax liability order

At the hearing, the council will apply for a liability order. This application will add £65 to your account.

Non-domestic rates summons

If you are summoned to the Magistrates Court the cost is £0.

Non-domestic rates liability order

At the hearing the council will apply for a liability order. This application will add £180 to your account.

Failure to provide information of your financial circumstances

At the hearing the council will apply for a liability order. This application will add £180 to your account.

Enforcement

This action would involve the council instructing a company to secure payment from you. You will have heard these companies referred to as bailiffs. However, as of 6 April 2014, under government changes, they are known as Enforcement Agents.

The Three Stages of Enforcement action

Stage 1 – Administration, or the compliance, stage

This results in a fee of £75 for each instruction that is passed to an Enforcement Agent.

Stage 2 – Attendance at the property

A fee of £235 covers all work carried out but a further charge of 7.5% of any debt value over £1,500 will also be applied.

Stage 3 – The sale of goods

The costs that apply are £110 plus 7.5% of any debt value over £1,500.

Committal to prison action

There are significant costs involved, listed below:

  • £305 will be added to the debt for making an application for a Warrant of Commitment.
  • £145 will be added for making an application for a Warrant of Arrest.
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