Business

What happens if you don't pay on time?

Ratepayers are required to make their payments by the due dates shown on their bills and it is essential that payments are received by the council by the due dates.

The first time you fail to pay a business rates instalment on time, we will send you a reminder asking you to bring your account up to date within seven days.

If you receive a reminder

If you receive a reminder and for any reason you are unable to bring your account up to date, you should contact the Business Rates section as soon as possible.

If you don't bring your account up to date, or if you bring your account up to date and then fall into arrears again, we will not issue any further reminders. At this stage you will lose the right to pay by instalment and we will be legally obliged to ask Croydon magistrates to issue a summons for you to appear in court.

This action will incur substantial costs.

If you receive a summons

If you are unable to pay the amount shown on the summons you should contact us immediately to discuss your account. We will advise you on the best course of action and may be able to make a payment arrangement. If you fail to contact us the case will be heard in court. You may attend the hearing to present your defence for non-payment. The council will ask the magistrate to grant a liability order, whether you attend or not, and this will incur further costs.

The purpose of the court hearing is to determine liability. If the magistrate decides that you are liable and that we have issued your bill correctly, it is likely that a liability order will be issued.

At this stage we will still be able to make a payment arrangement with you, which will include any costs that have been incurred. However, if further default occurs after this, bailiffs will be employed to obtain payment, incurring further costs to your account.

Bearing the above in mind and the complexities of the legal system, you are encouraged to contact the Business Rates section as soon as you think you may have problems making payments. Don't wait for a reminder to be issued. Contact us by phone, email or in person and we will discuss your account and any problems you may have with a view to making alternative arrangements.

Important

If you receive any notice from the council regarding the non-payment of your business rates, do not ignore it! Doing so may mean that further action will be taken and additional costs incurred.

If you are unable to pay your business rates, please contact the Business Rates section to discuss the situation and make a suitable payment arrangement.

Contact Details

Contact name

Business Rates Section

Department

Finance

Telephone

020 8667 8385

Fax

020 8667 8440

Email

croynndr@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Business Rates Section, Croydon Council, Municipal Offices, Fell Road, Croydon, CR9 1QA