Committal

What is committal to prison?

If our Agent Bailiffs return your Liability Order to the authority as they have been unable to collect the outstanding balance then proceedings may be commenced.
If the authority decides to take this course of action you will be summonsed to appear before the Magistrates who will be asked to commit you to prison for non-payment. The magistrates will decide if you have deliberately refused to pay or been neglectful in not paying and may send you to prison for up to 3 months.

If you do not appear at the Magistrates Court for this hearing we will obtain a warrant for your arrest. The cost of this will be added to your account.

We wish to avoid this course of action being necessary and would stress the importance of contacting the authority immediately in order that alternative action may be agreed.

I cannot afford to pay in full, how can I make an offer of payment?

You can make an offer of payment on line by following the following link. Please note in general we will expect accounts to be paid before 31st March.

Make an offer of payment

Alternatively you can contact us as detailed below.

Can I have deductions from my benefit to clear the debt?

Deductions can usually be made from your benefit by the DWP providing the benefit claimant is liable for the Council Tax and is in receipt of one of the following benefit types:

• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit

Request deductions from Benefit

Can I have deductions from my earnings to clear the debt?

Deductions can usually be made from your earnings by an Attachment of Earnings Order providing your earnings are high enough and you are named on the Liability Order.

Request Attachment of Earnings

How to contact us

You can visit one of our customer services sections listed below.
Locations and opening times
Or ring us Monday to Friday on 01709 - 336006 from 8:30am - 5:30pm.
Please note our less busy telephone times are between 8:30am - 10am and between 4:30pm and 5:30 pm.
You can also make an immediate payment by ringing 01709 - 822329 or using the following link:
RMBC Online Payments System

Are you Experiencing Debt Problems?

If you are having difficulties with debt the Council provides a free confidential debt counselling service to Rotherham residents. Please ring 01709 - 822329.

Other advice agencies may be accessed through -

http://www.adviceinrotherham.org.uk/

Last updated 30/03/2011