What happens after court?
14 day letter/liability order from court
Once a liability order has been granted by the court, you have 14 days to make a suitable payment arrangement with us before recovery action is taken. If you do not make a payment arrangement, or you fail to keep up with your payments, we can take recovery action in the following ways:
- an Attachment of Earnings Order - this means we can deduct from your wages to clear your Council Tax debt
- attachment of Benefits - this allows us to deduct from your benefit payments (of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit only)
- an Enforcement Agent (bailiff) will be instructed to recover the payment. You should contact the enforcement agent immediately to make a payment arrangement
Contact details for the Enforcement Agents used by Southend-on-Sea City Council are as follows:
| Enforcement Agent | Telephone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Marston Group | 0333 320 1822 | generalenquiries@marstonholdings.co.uk |
| Newlyn Plc | 01604 633001 | enquiries@newlynplc.co.uk |
If an enforcement agent is involved, extra costs will be added to your account. From 6th April 2014 these costs are:
- £75.00 when your case is received by the enforcement agent. At this stage you have the option to pay in full or to make a payment arrangement
- £235.00 (+7% of the original debt over £1500.00) if the enforcement agent needs to visit you if you don't make or keep to a payment arrangement
- £110.00 (+7% of the original debt over £1500.00) if the enforcement agent needs to visit you with the purpose of removing and selling your goods if you have not paid
Please note that these costs are for each liability order issued to the enforcement agent.
It will save you money if you pay before your account is sent to an enforcement agent.
If you dont keep to your payment arrangement your goods can be removed and sold at auction.
Failure to pay a summonsed debt can lead to further, more severe outcomes.