Thanks Hallowitch. Think that's what I'll have to do. This is somewhat confusing issue. Thanks again to all for advice, most helpful

Very strange. Just rang the council again and I've said the summons has been withdrawn and my name has been taken off the bill? Couldn't get a clear answer as to why but it might be because I was claiming council tax benefit for the whole period. They've put the other peoples' names on the bill but I don't know if they've got forwarding addresses etc (they were not clear on that). I asked if I'd get more bills to my address and they said no. Very odd, should be pleased but given how muddled this all is I wouldn't be surprised if I got another summons again. Also confused as to why they haven't sent a letter telling me the summons has been withdrawn. What a mess. Any advice about what I should do? Nothing? Or ask for some written confirmation etc?

That's outrageous! Is there anything I can do? The bill is about £700, no way I can pay that nor will I (I'm happy to pay my share of it). Would it be worth me turning up at court to make my case? Thanks again for advice.

Sorry about the mass of text. I used paragraphs but the site won't show them for some reason

Hi, Wonder if anyone has any advice on this rather annoying situation. I've been made liable (apparently) for council tax debts relating to a property I lived in over 5 years ago. This would be fine apart from the fact the property was shared between 5 people and I was claiming council tax benefit while I lived there (to complicate matters). Somehow my name was left on the bill (I thought the bill had been paid when I moved out and didn't realise it was in my name) and bills were being sent to the old address which I never received. Eventually baliffs were brought in, found my new address and sent me letters relating to the old address. I spoke to the council and explained but they weren't much help but suggested I wrote to them and obtained tenancy contracts etc. Luckily I managed to get hold of the contracts from the estate agents we rented from and I sent them to the council explaining the situation (it was one contract for the whole house). They still weren't much help and said they wanted forwarding addresses. I only have the address of one person I shared with so I sent them that but they are still sending me bills in my name! Now it's got to a magistrate's letter. What should I do? Can I defend myself in court and get it thrown out? Should I contact the council before the court appearance and try (yet again) to get them to do the right thing? I can't afford to pay other people's debts and refuse to do so on principle. If anyone has any advice about what to do or what legal position I'm in I'd be extremely grateful. Very angry with Bham City Council over this, outrageous behaviour! Thanks.