Received a summons

• Before commencing legal proceedings for recovery the council will always issue a business rates bill and a statutory reminder notice
• Failure to receive such notices does not in any way invalidate the summons

• If you are unable to arrange immediate payment of your Non-Domestic Rates prior to the hearing, then you should contact the business rates team to discuss a suitable payment arrangement
• It is not necessary for you to attend the court hearing unless you dispute liability, although any dispute should be raised with the business rates team immediately
• Unless payment is made in full by the date of the hearing then the council will apply for a Liability Order

 Contact the business rates team as a matter of urgency on 01249 706290 or businessrates@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

• The issue of the summons will incur costs of £60.50
• If the Non-Domestic Rates arrears plus the Summons Costs are not paid before the Court Hearing, additional liability order costs of £40.00 will apply

• A Liability Order is an all-purpose order which the council may obtain by application to the Magistrates' Court
• Once it has obtained such an order the council may without further recourse to the court, instruct bailiffs to take and sell goods belonging to a debtor
• The proceeds of which may be offset against the outstanding Non-Domestic Rates and costs, or consider a Petition to the County Court under the Insolvency Act 1986.

No, the hearing will take place in a magistrates court. This is not a county court judgement (CCJ).