Mrs Nick gets Summonsed!

[Nick]

 

We have a house that we let to students. They are exempt Council Tax.

This summer it was empty for 6 weeks. Mrs Nick failed to inform the Council and ignored their letters cos she was "busy".

She has now been summonsed for non-payment of CT!

It is ALL HER FAULT!!!

Mind you, I will get the blame!

[Snoopy]

Go down to the council office and give them a cheque for the outstanding amount. They are legally obliged to accept this and withdraw the summons right up to the minute before you go into court. They are entitled to ask for their costs though.
I once did this right at the court entrance. 

[Nick]

She only owes them £40! I have passed on your advice. I am quite enjoying her discomfiture.

[Snoopy]

They'll usually accept a card payment over the phone. Their only interest is in getting the money .... bonus payments are based on their success at gathering in the loot! They get no extra if it goes to court but they do go to court with "batches" of Non-Payers and always use a barrister from their own legal dept whose costs are added to the penalty for non payment AND you still have to pay.