Denbighshire County Council is issuing a warning that action will be taken against people who wilfully do not pay their council tax.
This warning follows a 60 day suspended prison sentence given to a Prestatyn resident for not paying council tax arrears totalling £2674.
The resident had not contacted the Council to discuss his arrears, despite the numerous letters requesting him to do so. Denbighshire County Council had summoned the man to court multiple times to which he never attended. He was arrested and taken to Prestatyn Magistrate Court.
The magistrate found him guilty of Wilful Refusal, and issued him with a 60 day suspended sentence, and ordered him to make payments each month towards his arrears. If he fails to pay in accordance with the Magistrates instruction, the 60 day prison sentence will be enforced.
Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, said:
“The Council recognises that a number of people may have difficulty in paying their council tax and we ask them to contact the Council at their earliest convenience to discuss a payment plan.
“The majority of people pay their council tax on time, but a small group of people wilfully do not pay their council taxes on time. This places a heavier burden on other taxpayers and this will not be tolerated”.
The most convenient way of paying council tax is through Direct Debit – this is the most popular method used by Denbighshire residents.Anyone who has arrears but have not made any arrangements to pay can contact the Council’s Recovery Team, on 01824 706321.
