5 March 2008
Eastbourne Borough Council is planning to take a more robust approach against charge payers who fail to meet their Council Tax instalment obligations from April 2008.
Charge payers will still be given every opportunity to pay their council tax debts, but action will be taken to recover such debts where payment is not forthcoming. The instruction of bailiffs may be considered where all other efforts have failed.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Finance, Councillor Neil Stanley says ‘The new recovery procedures will ensure that the Council can now collect council tax up to six weeks earlier than in previous years.
The vast majority of tax payers make regular payments on time. It is vital that we are able to recover council tax debts to maximise income for local services, and to ensure that those people who do pay on time do not subsidise persistent non-payers.’
Should anyone be having difficulty with their payment, they are urged to make contact with the Council Tax Team as soon as possible on 01323 415803. If they are on low incomes they should contact the Benefits Team on 01323 415807 to see if they are entitled to assistance.
