I recently started an appeal against council tax liability. The council agreed in writing that they would shelve enforcement proceedings until the appeal was heard. Less than a month later they have actually issued a summons for me to appear at the local magistrates court at which they say they will ask for a liability order against me. I will have to attend to oppose the order otherwise they will win by default. I am contesting liability because the property which is mine was rented to a tenant who the council are unable to collect council tax from because he has done a runner leaving several unpaid bills including rent. The appeals procedure specifically says that enforcement proceedings should be suspended until any appeal has been dealt with. I am apprehensive about the magistrates court appearance. Anybody have any ideas on the problem. Legal aid is not available nor can I afford the exorbitant solicitors fees. There is more to this matter but not enough space to include everythi
2007-03-24 08:34:50 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Take acopy of the appeals regulations and a copy of your appeal letter to prove that the enforcement should be shelved for now. However, their is a hierarchy of liability for council tax and i think that if it cant be got off the tenant, the owner is next in line. You can check that at your local cab, but i dont know if ive remembered it right.
But anything you do end up paying - you can take your ex tenant to court for if you can find him.
2007-03-24 08:40:11 · answer #1 · answered by jeanimus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the council are a law unto themselves. my sister was made bankrupt and 6 years down the line they took her to court for it even though all her debts should have been squashed. Did you inform the council that you had a tenant in the property. if so you may be able to fight on those grounds. i know someone that actually appointed a friend to speak for them in court as she was so nervous about doing it and like you couldnt afford a lawyer. maybe you could do this. goodluck
2007-03-24 15:46:38 · answer #2 · answered by funny_smartlovely 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you know that after a certain length of time they have to squash it. and as long as you can prove they were tenants why should you pay it, why should anyone for that matter. do you know only £38 of my council tax goes to the fire service and £29 to the police all the rest the bloody government take the a** holes.
2007-03-24 15:45:20 · answer #3 · answered by LISA uk 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
show the council a copy of the tenancy agreement and tell them you sent them a copy when you let the property to him, informing them he was renting the property. You are not responsible for his debts
2007-03-24 18:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by animal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the letter say it on hold then your ok till then, go to the citiziens advice berue it splet wrong CAB for short or the law centre
2007-03-24 15:41:06 · answer #5 · answered by suby 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like they have got you by the balls mate and i bet they charged you £55 for the summons too greedy f****ing government!!!!!!!!
2007-03-24 15:41:00 · answer #6 · answered by dave n kez 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋