2006-07-30 09:49:06 · 17 answers · asked by paul b 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
no i had the same problem and owed £1500 i had to pay it back £50 a month but i have a caution for 5 years, you shouldnt have to pay council tax if you are not working do you get housing benefit if so i would question and also play dumb
2006-07-30 10:05:59 · answer #1 · answered by smiff78 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of course, as usual most people are putting stupid answers to serious questions on this web-site. If they're just after points why don't they just stick to unimportant subjects such as 'music' or something?
Anyway, to answer your question...well, only a judge could but on the whole it's extremely unlikely they'll put you away if you're on Incapacity Benefit though you don't explain in your question why the local authority have not taken this into account and are prosecuting you. However, putting that to one side; though the government may be keen to imprison people for non-payment of these taxes it's true, judges rarely are and they'll always look for a way out of this situation for both you and the courts if they can possibly find one. As some have suggested, this could mean an affordable repayment schedule but that all depends on whether the council are willing to agree to what may be put forward in court.
The best way is to go to court with your own ideas of how you may be able to rectify the issue or clearly explain why you think the proceedings are unfair. Prison is only likely if you go in with the attitude: "can't pay - won't pay" as this will leave HMCS will little chance to help you. Good Luck.
2006-07-30 10:05:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were on incapacity benefit for the length of time the council tax arrears apply to, then probably not, because the Department of Health & Social Security should have paid it on your behalf, like they do with rent payments. However, if you were working during that time, then you are liable for payment & you will have to pay. Attend court if you can & explain that you are now on incapacity benefit & are unable to work. Offer to pay something per week/month & it's unlikely you will be jailed. If you cannot attend, write to the court with your explanation & apologise for not attending because of your ill-health. A medical report from your doctor may also help. Prison is usually reserved for people who refuse to pay even though they are able. Good Luck.
2006-07-30 10:03:06 · answer #3 · answered by devildriver53 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlikely. Tell the Court that you are willing to pay the tax, but you don't have any money and your only income is incapacity benefit. Ask for time to pay off the arrears.
Remember that the Court is not necessarily on the Council's side. If the Court thinks that the Council is being unreasonable, they will help you.
2006-07-30 09:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go out quickly, find an English person preferable an old age pensioner and beat them, rob them and get stoned on the profit. Now you will get 200 hours community service for this. Non payment of council tax your looking at 3-6 months in side.
2006-07-30 11:06:57 · answer #5 · answered by deadly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
once you point out 40% of your homestead would be subject to inheritance tax (death responsibilities), which will in basic terms be ideal to the cost of your sources in far extra than the nil value band, that's presently £3 hundred,000. Tax making plans is obtainable and is something I manage. Monies left to charities to illustrate are no longer subject to inheritance tax. another approach could be to make annual presents. you actual ought to incoporate something right into a Will in attention of tax making plans. relating to Council Tax, you will finally end up eating into rate reductions to suitable up the shortfall between your earnings and outgoings. until such time as your rate reductions cut back to under £sixteen,000 you will no longer receive Council Tax reward. finding on the Council Tax you pay i might anticipate your house is of a intense value. you need to continually evaluate liberating some money via way of an fairness launch. this will even have inheritance tax reward. GARETH L DAY
2016-11-03 07:59:44 · answer #6 · answered by aguas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. as long as u agree 2 pay a certain amount every week. usually around £3-£5 as your on benefits. u can go 2 jail if u refuse 2 pay.
and since ur on a benefit it would be worth finding out if u can get housing benefit or partial housing benefit and council tax benefit or partial council tax benefit.
since ur on a benefit they wont expect u 2 pay huge amounts and ur usually eligable 4 total housing and council tax benefit.
2006-07-30 10:03:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If precedence is anything to go by then yes you could. Non payment of council tax is treated as a heinous crime, worse than killing someone with a car or beating up a pensioner.
2006-07-30 09:54:29 · answer #8 · answered by migelito 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
highly unlikely but send a letter to the court to explain why also can you afford to pay them anything weekly if you offer that you most defiantly in the clear.
How have you got into this mess you should be able to claim hosing benefit ring your local council and ask for a housing benefit form
2006-07-30 09:56:30 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not likely,go apologuise and offer to pay it back at 50p a week as its all you can afford,then after a few months stop paying;like they are going to take you back to court for 50p a week !lol
Well it seems to work for some !
2006-07-30 09:53:26 · answer #10 · answered by any 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋