500 "anti-social" Vale households face petty debts threat

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Nearly 500 Vale households could face imminent court action because of unpaid rates bills.

Final demands will be sent out this week and, unless paid promptly, parishioners will next face a legal summons taking them to Petty Debts Court for the arrears.

They will also have to pay the cost of the writ, which is an additional £57-£114, plus any amounts outstanding from previous years.

"We really don't like having to issue these threats," said Senior Constable Richard Leale, "but the Douzaine is entrusted with the proper oversight of parish funds and paying rates is not optional – it's a legal requirement."

If they did not pursue these rates, Mr Leale said it would be unfair on everyone else who had paid as they would eventually have to pay more. 

"The Douzaine does everything it can to contain costs and to minimise rates bills. Having to chase people like this can actually increase what we have to charge people because of the extra work and cost of taking people to court.

"That's why it's so anti-social and why, reluctantly, we will take anyone to court who doesn't pay their rates.

In total, 4,697 rate demands were sent out this year. More than £760,000 was collected in rates last year, with more information on how it was spent available on the Vale parish website.