What happens if you don't pay?

If you get into payment difficulties and you can't afford your instalments, contact us immediately to see how we can help you. Remember that paying by direct debit ensures that your payments are made on time every month. With this method you also have a choice of payment dates. If you pay late, we will send you a reminder or final notice.

We normally send only one reminder. If you do not pay a reminder you will lose your right to pay by instalments and must pay the full amount due until the end of the year.

If you still do not pay, we will send you a summons to appear in the magistrates' court and charge you costs. If the court decides you are responsible for paying and you have not paid in full, they can issue a liability order and we can collect the money by:

• asking our bailiffs to collect the debt by removing and selling some of your possessions (this will also result in you having to pay bailiff fees);
• starting insolvency proceedings through the county court which will result in you being summonsed back to the magistrates' court for a committal hearing which can result in a custodial sentence of up to three months.

For more information or advice please contact our business rates team on 01329 824651 or by e-mail at businessrates@fareham.gov.uk.