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.
