Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a business rates discount or exemption?
To find out if you may qualify for additional support, please see our:
What if I am struggling to pay?
I agree that I owe the rate, but I cannot afford to pay in full prior to the hearing. If you are unable to arrange immediate payment, please contact the us right away.
You can contact us between 8:45am and 1pm Monday to Friday on 01702 215001.
We will apply for a Liability Order unless the full amount, including costs, is paid before the hearing.
If, however, you agree a satisfactory payment plan, and providing payments are adhered to:
- you do not need to attend court, and
- no further action will be taken
What happens if I don't pay?
If you can't make full payment (including costs) by the court date, please contact us to discuss a suitable payment arrangement to prevent these actions being taken.
You can contact us between 8:45am and 1pm Monday to Friday on 01702 215001.
Please note that any arrangement made will not stop action.
We will continue with the hearing to request a Liability Order and the arrangement will include an additional £30 cost.
If you fail to make an arrangement, we continue with proceedings and request a Liability Order at the hearing. As a result, you may then be subject to further action (and costs) on your account.
I forgot to pay, why did I not receive a reminder notice?
Before starting legal proceedings, we will have issued either a:
- reminder
- final notice
Failure to receive such notices does not invalidate the summons.
What if I have made arrangements to pay by instalments
According to our records, the instalments have not been paid promptly on the due dates and a notice requiring them to be brought up to date has not been complied with. In addition, the notice issued states that the whole of the balance for the year therefore legally becomes due, as shown on the summons.
I am making regular payments?
We issue a demand at the beginning of each year which provides information on an instalments scheme. This outlines clear dates of when each instalment is due.
If we do not receive an instalment payment at the due date, a reminder notice will be issued.
Your right to pay in instalments is removed if you receive a final notice.
Failure to pay in full following either of these notices, may lead to a court summons being issued.
If your account is in default, and you are unable to pay the sum requested in either notice, it is important that you communicate with us.
You can contact us between 8:45am and 1pm Monday to Friday on 01702 215001.
The team will provide the necessary support and advice to prevent the need for a summons to be issued.
Can I withhold payment of the charge pending the outcome of my appeal?
A ratepayer cannot withhold payment of the rate due on the grounds that an appeal against the rateable value is outstanding. However, if your appeal is successful, any overpayment will be refunded or credited to your account.
Interest is payable on any such overpayment provided that a liability order has not been made against you. Payment will in no way prejudice your appeal.
Why am I being charged costs?
Part of the costs are payable to the court itself. This amount has been authorised by the court to cover expenses incurred by us in preparing the summons.
Recovery proceedings will continue unless the rate and costs are paid in full.
What is a liability order?
An order made by the court which allows us to take further recovery action to collect the outstanding debt.
This may involve the matter being referred to a bailiff which will both:
- incur additional costs
- put your goods at risk of seizure and sale at public auction
Once a Liability Order has been made, the amount due is deemed a debt for the purposes of either:
- bankruptcy, or
- winding up proceedings
What should I do if I want to attend court?
Contact us first to attempt to resolve the matter. Most of issues are resolved without the need for you to attend the hearing.
You can contact us between 8:45am and 1pm Monday to Friday on 01702 215001.
If for any reason you are unsuccessful in finding a resolution and wish to dispute the granting of a liability order, you should attend the court to give a defence to the Magistrates.