Pay by Direct Debit
Paying by Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay your instalments.
Reminder notice
If your instalments are not paid on time a reminder will be sent asking for payment within seven days. If you do not bring them up to date within seven days, you lose the right to pay by instalment and the balance due will become payable.
If you pay the amount you owe, but fall behind with your instalments again, a second reminder or final notice will be sent to you. You will not be sent any further reminders after the second reminder has been issued.
Final notice
If you faili to keep up to date with your payments you will lose the right to pay by instalments We will send you a final notice asking for payment within seven days of the full balance shown on the notice.
If the business rates are not paid after a reminder or final notice have been issued, we will make a complaint to the Magistrates Court and a summons will be issued, which will add costs payable by you.
Summons
If you don’t pay your business rates after you have been sent a reminder notice or final notice, we may make a complaint to the Magistrates Court, for a summons to be issued.
Where a summons has been issued you must pay the full balance of the business rates and the costs shown on the summons before the hearing date. Where payment is received before the hearing date, the matter will be marked as resolved.
Liability Order
Failing to pay will result in the Council requesting the Court to grant a Liability Order which allows us to take the following action to recovery the business rates you owe.
A liability order gives us the right to -
- instruct Enforcement Agents to collect the amount you owe by taking control of your goods and belonging to be sold at auction. The Enforcement Agent will incur additional costs payable by you
- apply to the High Court to make you bankrupt (individual) or a Winding Up Order (Organisation)
- ask the Court to send you to prison if the Enforcement Agents are unable to collect the debt
Can’t pay or want to make an arrangement
If you are experience difficulties paying, contact the business rates team so we may discuss a payment plan with you.
Contact business rates (opens in new window)
Check if you can receive a reduction
Your business may qualify for business rate relief depending on factors such as what your organisation does, where it is located and the rateable value of your business property.
Help with money
If you are struggling with payments there is information on help with money.