Prison sentence for failing to pay council tax

On Thursday 6 October Wellingborough Magistrates Court sentenced 33-year-old Christopher Pilkington to 78 days in prison for refusing to pay £3,550 in business rates owed on the Prince of Wales pub, Croyland Road, Wellingborough.

This follows three other recent prosecutions for refusal to pay outstanding council tax. Stuart Gane, 38, of Grant Road was sentenced to 45 days in prison for refusing to pay £2,099.69, Steven Jackson, 42, of Thrush Lane was sentenced to 86 days for refusing to pay £3,559.13, and Sharon Richards, 46, of Grove Street was given 85 days for refusing to pay £2,889.50.

These cases were all brought before the court following numerous attempts by the council to resolve the issue of outstanding payments.

Cllr Paul Bell, leader of Wellingborough Council said: "This is not an action we take lightly but the four people in question had been given every opportunity on numerous occasions to pay this debt, or work with the council to agree a way forward. Our services are accessible and available for everybody and we believe it is only fair that everyone pays their share. Unfortunately we were left with no alternative but to take these cases to court and seek custodial sentences".

There are many payment methods and reliefs available to people. Anyone who would like information about help with paying their council tax or business rates should contact the council on 01933 229 777.