News and Communication

The message went out after a man was jailed for 36 days by magistrates for non-payment of his Council Tax.

The 55-year-old, who lives in Talke Pits, was sent to prison yesterday (3 February) for debts of more than £1,650 which were run up during a period from April 2003 to June 2006.

Although Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council cannot take further action on those debts, it says the man still owes Council Tax for a period after June 2006 and officers will be trying to secure payment.

David Baker, the borough council’s Head of Revenues and Benefits, said: “This isn’t a course of action which we enjoy taking. We take people to court for non-payment of their Council Tax bills only after every other avenue has been explored.

“A prison sentence is a last resort but we need to take action out of fairness to all our other Council Taxpayers who manage to pay their bills on time.

“Our message to residents who are having difficulty in paying their bills is to get in touch and talk to us. We would much prefer sitting down with people who are having difficulties and come to a mutual payment agreement.”

Residents can contact the council’s Revenues and Benefits team on 01782 715500.

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