How much are court costs?

[hasbean]

I have just got a summons from my local council for non payment of council tax. I recieved only one reminder which I then forgot and have today recieved a sumons for the full amount plus £50 court / summons costs already incurred, this also happened a few years ago and then the cost was £25 that is a steep rise. I am going to pay them something but where do I stand if I refuse to pay their costs - particullary after only one reminder

I'm afraid you stand absolutely nowhere -- if their rules and regs lay down a fine for nonpayment, then technically you owe the original amount plus the penalty, and they can make you pay that using whatever means are open to them. You don't have an absolute right to pay by instalments, and as soon as they suspect you're not sticking to the instalments they can demand the full amount.

BUT if you phone the council tax people and grovel like crazy they may let you off. It happened to us last year when we switched bank accounts and the bank messed up the direct debit. The council tax people were actually very nice about it, but you need to show you're trying to be helpful and not just one more stroppy defaulter.

Once you've sorted it out, get a direct debit set up to avoid a recurrence.

frog's right. sorry.

Thanks for the advice
I 'll have to get more organised. It still grates though £50