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Original poster

To just ignore this court summons now? Terrified

48 replies

wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 12:15

Basically I had a small amount outstanding on my council tax £29.00 and stupidly forgot after receiving reminder letter.
Today I received a "court summons for non payment of council tax " letter saying I have to attend court to say why I haven't paid.
I rushed straight into town and paid the £29.00
My balance is now £0.00
Do I still have to go to court ?
Will I get in trouble ?

OP posts:
NewStyleFor2019 · 15/01/2019 12:16

Nope, now you've made the payment they will inform the court and you won't have to go..

GottenGottenGotten · 15/01/2019 12:16

Contact the court to ask.

Don't just ignore it.

Original poster
wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 12:17

I'm so annoyed with myself I always make my payments on time and just forgot.
Such a idiot.

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 15/01/2019 12:17

Contact them and ask, don't just ignore it.

Original poster
wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 12:19

I've never been in trouble in my life and now I'm imagining ballifs and everything coming to my door

OP posts:
Confusedbeetle · 15/01/2019 12:21

Just get confirmation it has been paid

BinaryStar · 15/01/2019 12:22

Did the letter refer to fees? Because there might be more to pay than the £29

Original poster
wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 12:23

No it didn't mention any fees just said £29.00 and pay before day of court hearing.

OP posts:
Original poster
wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 12:24

When I paid today I got my receipt and it said £0.00
I'm just not sure if I have to attend court to say why it's late

OP posts:
curiousierandcouriser · 15/01/2019 12:25

I also think it would be easier just to call the court to clarify. Since you paid, it will probably will be fine but you don't want to ignore a summons.

OhGoveUckYourself · 15/01/2019 12:31

If you have paid in full then there is absolutely no need to attend court. Your case will not be pursued on the day- just clarify with the Council Tax office that the matter is closed and relax.

thereisnorinbath · 15/01/2019 12:31

You need to get the council to withdraw the summons. The court can't withdraw the matter, it has to be the council.

If it doesn't withdraw the summons, you must attend. As others have said, if there is a court hearing there may be court fees and victim surcharge to pay.

Used to work for the Magistrates' Courts!

Fairenuff · 15/01/2019 12:32

Just call the court and ask them.

BarbaraofSevillle · 15/01/2019 12:33

You either need to contact the court or the council so they will tell the court you no longer owe money. Probably best not to just ignore it, as costs could be added on etc.

In future, it's probably best to pay by direct debit. You can often choose the payment date, and pay over 12 months not 10, if this makes things easier.

I pay mine over 12 months on the last working day of each month, which is always after pay day and it's just a little satisfying that they have to wait until the last possible minute to get their money, as it used to be over 10 months and earlier in the month.

RosemarysBabyDress · 15/01/2019 12:47

DO NOT IGNORE and follow the advice above.

At worst, just think that it's better to make an unnecessary phone call than putting yourself into more trouble (it's not an unnecessary step btw)

Billballbaggins · 15/01/2019 12:49

Call the council and the court - they can withdraw the summons DO NOT IGNORE IT

Topseyt · 15/01/2019 12:52

Don't ignore it. Phone the court and explain that you have just paid and the balance owing is now zero. Ask what you have to do now.

There might be costs to be added on top of the £29.

MikeUniformMike · 15/01/2019 12:52

You can ignore it. I would contact the council to confirm just for peace of mind.

PerceptionIsReality · 15/01/2019 12:57

Call the council and check. I had this years ago when I moved house and due to a computer glitch still got a further court letter after is paid. Quick call to the council sorted it all.

TeachesOfPeaches · 15/01/2019 12:57

You can ignore it OP. No need to call the court as you've paid.

Pachyderm1 · 15/01/2019 13:01

Don’t just ignore it - let the solicitor on the other side know it has been paid, if you have their details. Show them whatever proof you have. Ask them to discharge the hearing.

If you can’t show proof before the hearing, and the solicitor on the other side won’t accept you explanation, you must attend the hearing and explain that you have now made the payment, and take proof to show this.

There might be a question of expenses - ask the solicitor on the other side what their position on this is.

Original poster
wateringhole3 · 15/01/2019 13:04

The letter I've received wasn't a solicitors letter,it was from the council.
Il call them after work tonight.
Hopefully it's ok now I've paid
I worry tho

OP posts:
tempester28 · 15/01/2019 13:07

Re read the letter, usually you only attend if you want to contest paying it. Call the council and tell them that you have paid. Tell them you are very worried and I am sure they will put your mind at rest that you did not need to attend.

Bobbybear10 · 15/01/2019 13:10

It will be fine but you do need to phone the council who will close the case for you. If you have paid you won’t have to go to court but you do need to make the council aware so they can do the paperwork their end.

Hwory · 15/01/2019 13:11

You need to ring them so they cancel the summons. If you don’t you will be charged court costs.

Council employees are real people who understand that people forget or get behind on bills. You won’t get a lecture or judgement.

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