GRAYS Magistrates Court saw angry scenes as over a hundred Council Tax “defaulter” cases attended at a specially convened day by Thurrock Council.
With normal court proceedings going on and temperatures outside soaring into the eighties, the six members of council staff struggled to cope with over a hundred cases.
Tax-payers were given a ticket number but the council clearly underestimated the numbers that would attend as they ran out after 70.
One fact that was established was how many people didn’t realise that technically, they owe the whole amount after April 1st.
However, it was clear as frazzled staff struggled to cope with the plethora of “individual” cases.
One defaulter, who did not wish to be named said: “This has been farcical. Trying to cope with a hundred cases in a tiny court-house.
“My case is quite complicated involving a number of addresses and changes of circumstances. I haven’t had the chance to plead my case.”
Having said that, by midday, it appeared that most people had drifted away. Forms were sent to the Magistrate to be signed and many members of the public were sent away to wait for the next raft of correspondence and demands to come through the letterbox.
Thurrock Council were invited to make a comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.
Time to review recovery. No recourse to negotiate and Liability Orders on debts as low as £20. But why has recovery become so “Bad” – where is the glorious Vertex Financial Team.
Why use Bailiffs when the ultimate sanction could be used Committal Proceedings (but remember as long you try to pay Committal is very unlikely)
Cabinet 10 October 2007 ITEM 10 No. 0706050
“FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Council is currently owed £5,355,981.14 of council tax. Of this £2,992,1610.11 is now in excess of one year old. ”
How much is now outstanding?