Could I be sent to prison for non payment of Council Tax?

If we have tried all other options, we may ask the Magistrates' Court to issue a summons for you to appear before them to explain why you have not paid your debt, and to enquire into your means.

At this hearing, the Council will outline the non-payment of Council Tax and we will ask the court to consider your committal to prison for a period of up to three months.

You (or your legal representative) will be asked to explain why you have not paid your Council Tax and your current and previous financial circumstances will be explored. The Magistrate will then make a decision regarding the matter, you may be imprisoned for a period of no more than 3 months.

The Court may decide to postpone imprisonment on certain conditions, like you agreeing to repay the debt over time. The Court has the power to remit all or part of the debt as it sees fit.

Problems paying your Council Tax