unlawful summons costs?

[messycess]

Its me again and my best I buddy I kettering borough council are at it again!

Today my partner recieved a letter telling her to go to court for council tax arrears which are 436 pounds.

There is also a summons cost of 110 pounds and she has been told that Full payment of 546 pounds must be paid in advance of the hearing to avoid further proceedings.

This reminds me of a situation i read by outlaw go (I think that's correct) about councils charging before it has even gone to court!

This by the way will be the 3rd time we have had to pay this summons cost as our situation has changed in this single tax year. My partner currently has bailiff chasing her, I have attachment of earnings and now this. That's 330pounds summons costs in 1 year!

I would like to annoy the council and was wondering what i could do
to challenge them on this situation.

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated

[enquirer]

Re: unlawful summons costs?

Is there aleady a liability order for the £436? What is this hearing for?

[bizzybob]

Re: unlawful summons costs?

I think it is a summons for the kangaroo court to issue the Liability Order, and the £110 is what the council are claiming as costs of bringing the action. They want the court fee they say is £110, added to the arrears to stop the LO. This is naughty as they don't have the LO so surely claiming the court fee prior to a hearing, oops rubber stamped nod through, is tantamount to fraud?

In practice they will gain the LO regardless of whether the debt is paid, and send bailiffs to collect £0.00 that is not unknown.