Magistrates process

[DND]

Hello....

I am due to attend a magistrates hearing for non payment of council tax. I have paid it and have bank statements as proof.

I have to take a day off work to attend and have completed an N9B defense and counter claim form for lost wages. My question is ...how and when do I submit the N9B? Will the magistrate hear the defense and counter claim and make ruling on the day? I am hearing I may have to submit the counter claim and go to another court process which will mean two days of work?

Any direction would be much appreciated.

Many thanks
Dave

[ploddertom]

Re: Magistrates process

You need to give us some more info on:
a - how this came about
b - if you say you have paid it what do the Council say
c - Liability Order hearings are made in bulk & largely a rubber stamping exercise. The Magistrates can only say yes or no whether the debt was owed - there is no middle ground.

[DND]

Re: Magistrates process

Hi

Not sure why they claim I haven't paid....it maybe because I pay by standing order & they like direct debit. I have called the council on 3 occasions and they said they would look into it and never heard any more, hence I have to go to the magistrates hearing. I have all my bank statements showing the monies are paid monthly as permitted by the authority.

I have no concern with winning the case, just how do I counter claim for lost wages as result of their incompetence?

Thanks

[seduraed]

Re: Magistrates process

I can see there may be an issue with a standing order. Have you made sure that your council tax reference number is included in the information to the payee. What date on the month is the money paid . The reason I ask is that a standing g order can take up to three working days to clear into the recipients bank. Thus if you are paying at the end of the month the council won't get the money until the start of the next month. This will constantly leave you a month behind. Also are you paying over ten months or twelve? I you are paying over twelve you need the council to agree it.