Consequences for council tax non-payment
A Littlehampton man has been told he faces prison if he does not take steps to pay his arrears of Council Tax, following Court action by Arun District Council
The Council have been trying to secure payment from Mr Barnaby Macey of Littlehampton for several years, for arrears at previous addresses. The outstanding amount had risen to £3961.83. The debt accrued relates to non-payment during 2005/2006 with the bulk of debt accruing between 2009 and 2012. The Council had 5 court liability orders against Mr Macey.
Despite ongoing attempts to recover the money owed, Mr Macey did not pay and as a consequence was summonsed to a court hearing on Committal charges.
On 6 March 2016 at Worthing County Court, the Magistrates found in the Councils favour and sentenced Mr Macey to 6 days for each Liability he owed, totalling 30 days in prison, to be suspended on agreement of payment of £100.00 per month being paid without fail until the total sum of £3961.83 is repaid in full.
Mr Macey was advised by the Magistrate that should he fail to make the agreed monthly payment then he would be arrested and sent to prison.
Councillor Dudley Wensley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance said “We are pleased that this case has now been concluded and the Magistrate has found in favour of the Council and put in place a programme for repayment to ensure that the debt is recovered. Arun District Council takes non-payment of Council tax very seriously as this has an adverse effect on all residents of the district.”