Council Tax Arrears Between 2 People

[Bigkahuna]

Good afternoon,

 

Whilst sharing a property we came into council tax arrears over a few years which resulted in a bill for a few thousand pounds. Documents were served to myself and the other person from sheriffs officers. Myself and the other party no longer live at the address where the arrears took place but we both agreed to pay half each of the arrears. My half is almost paid but the other party is now refusing to pay their half.

 

As the arrears is in both our names, my question is where do i stand once i pay half of the arrears and then stop paying. I am going to inform the sheriff officers my intentions when my half has been paid but looking for some advice of what will happen next.

 

Thanks

[maroondevo52]

Hi,

 

I'm taking it you are in Scotland where Joint and Several Liability applies to Council Tax, I would think they would chase you for payment.

 

Joint and Several Liability covers circumstances where more than one individual is liable for a debt. Each party is held jointly liable for the full debt, and creditors may seek recovery of all or part of the debt from each or all of the joint debtors.

 

I think this is what the Sheriff Officers will tell you.

 

Regards,

 

Scott.

[Crocdoc]

Hi,

 

I'm taking it you are in Scotland where Joint and Several Liability applies to Council Tax, I would think they would chase you for payment.

 

Joint and Several Liability covers circumstances where more than one individual is liable for a debt. Each party is held jointly liable for the full debt, and creditors may seek recovery of all or part of the debt from each or all of the joint debtors.

 

I think this is what the Sheriff Officers will tell you.

 

Regards,

 

Scott.

 

Absolutely correct, the Sheriff Officers will continue to pursue you or your ex regardless of the amount you have paid. Taking into account that you have made payment in the past you are now the easy target as information such as bank account details have already been provided . Failure to settle the account will almost certainly result in bank account or wages arrestment.

Do not underestimate the power or authority of Sheriff Officers as they should never be confused with debt collectors.

 

I appreciate that this is not the response you would like, but nevertheless it is fact and a situation that is by no means uncommon.

[Bigkahuna]

Thank you both for your replies. You are right, it isnt exactly what i wanted to hear.

We made an agreement to pay half of the outstanding balance each and ive almsot paid my half and do not intend to pay more than my half of the arrears

Can I take this to court and show that i have paid half and there is 2 names on the council tax bill?

The other person is contactable but i dont see why i should be left with this on my own.

 

Thanks

[maroondevo52]

I don't think there's a lot you can do, you would get 'Time to pay' I know that's not much help but unless you can get the other person to pay their share your pretty much snookered.