Don't pay your council tax? We'll bankrupt you say Kirklees

Jan 14 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TAX evaders have been warned: Kirklees is no soft touch.

The council’s ruling Conservatives have insisted they will pursue anyone who refuses to pay their council tax – while helping those who struggle to keep up with their payments.

New figures show Kirklees Council issues about 300 court summonses a year against householders who won’t pay up.

Kirklees Cabinet member for finance Clr Andrew Palfreeman said: “These proceedings are aimed at people we believe are able to pay but wilfully refuse, rather than those who have genuine difficulties.

“Where we believe people can’t pay we encourage them to claim the benefits to help them.”

Clr Palfreeman said the prospect of a court appearance brings most non-payers round.

 He said: “This threat results in payment in full from many people who had previously made no effort to pay.”

But Clr Palfreeman added that a hardcore refused to pay up even after being summoned to court.