declaring a court summons on a job application

[ste v]

Im in the process of applying for a job with the police force - part of the application asks "Have you had any Court action taken against you for any debt" and "Been subject of an adverse County Court judment on financial matters". I along with my 2 flatmates have recently received a court summons for non-payment of council tax. This is because one of my flatmates is an idiot and hasn't paid his share (me and the other flatmate have paid in full). Ive been told that if this debt is paid before we're due in court then the incident wont show on my police check ??? should i mention this incident on my application or not ??? is there anything i can do to get my name traken off the summons ?? ive paid my share on my debit card so i can prove ive paid my share ??? thanks

[dothawkes31]

If it is paid before judgement then no judgement will be made by the county court, though i think you should check as isn;t the magistrates coiurt where council rax debts are taken?

[New Judge]

Yes, Dot is correct.

Council Tax debts are dealt with by way of summons to the Magistrates’ Court. If a judgement there goes against you it is not a CCJ but a criminal conviction.

Most councils are very pragmatic and helpful when it comes to Council Tax debt. Their main aim is to get the revenue, not to prosecute people. Engage with the council officers and explain the situation and you may find that no action will be taken against you.

[themas]

1. The fact that you have paid your share is not relevant so far as the Council is concerned. Each of you is "jointly & severally" liable for the whole of the tax.
2. If it is paid before the Court date then there will be no hearing & no offence will have been committed.
3. If this does not happen (or if you must submit your application before the payment is made) you must declare it. It is much better to be open & honest in such matters - if you are not & it is found out later it will go against you.