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Robust action helps to ensure the Vale will receive more than £14,000 in unpaid tax

Robust action taken by Vale of White Horse District Council tax is helping to ensure that more than £14,000 will be recovered people who have failed to pay their council tax.

On Monday 27 January the council successfully took criminal proceedings against nine individuals at Oxford Magistrates Court after they had failed to provide legally required information relating to their unpaid council tax bills. 

The following individuals were each fined £110 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £32 victim surcharge:

  • Graham Brewis, Hawkins Way, Wootton
  • Rebecca Brewis, Hawkins Way, Wooton
  • Steve Byrne, Stainswisk Lane, Shrivenham
  • Bernadette A Carter, Stockham Park, Wantage
  • Tracey Louise Goodwin, Ramsons Way, Abingdon
  • Amarnie Heatly, Mackenzie Avenue, Milton
  • Rosemary Hutton, Manor Close, Chilton
  • Mary Malone, St Marys, Wantage
  • Tracey Ray, Untons Place, Faringdon

A further three people reached a payment arrangement with the council before their cases went to court.

If someone fails to pay their council tax, Vale of White Horse District Council will obtain a liability order against them and send out requests for personal information, such as work details, bank and income details, in order to retrieve the money owed.  This also allows the council to take an informed decision on the most appropriate course of enforcement action. It is a criminal offence for someone not to return this information.

Cllr Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “If someone fails to pay their council tax we will send them reminder notices, invite them to contact us to set up an appropriate payment plan, and we’ll request further information from them.

“If they continue to fail to respond or clear their debt then we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.  Help is there for people who are genuinely struggling with their bills but if someone can pay, but refuses to do so, we will do all we can to ensure that they pay their fair share towards our important public services.”

Anyone who fails to pay their council tax following prosecution faces the possibility of further sanctions, including a potential prison sentence.