[A]llerdale Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a local woman for the non-payment of Council Tax.
The case, which was heard on Monday 13 November at Workington Magistrates Court, saw Susan Davies of Beaufort Avenue, High Harrington, Workington found guilty of culpable neglect in failing to pay arrears from 2016/17 of £1,610.65. She was sentenced to 45 days in prison, suspended on the condition she pays the debt by monthly instalments. Davies was summoned to court following numerous attempts to make contact after she persistently failed to pay the arrears.
Councillor Konrad Hansen, Executive Member for Transformation, said: “Applying to the Magistrates to send someone to prison for failing to pay their Council Tax is a last resort which we don’t take lightly. The Council has a zero tolerance approach to the non-payment of Council Tax, which pays for essential services that we all receive. The prosecution is a culmination of a long process over many months where all previous attempts to obtain payment have proved fruitless. Anyone having difficulty keeping up with payments is advised to contact us at the earliest opportunity so that we can offer what support is needed and to discuss repayment options.”
