Business rates bailiff letter

A letter will be issued explaining that if payment is not made in full, including costs, within 14 days, then we will instruct bailiffs to attempt to recover your outstanding business rates.

You will be charged further costs if your debt is passed to the bailiffs.

With effect from 6th April 2014 new bailiff fees will apply. These are based on Schedule 4 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, as set out below.

*Percentage Fee is incurred where the balance at the commencement of that stage is over £1,500.00

In accordance with the new regulations, there are three stages:

1. Compliance stage: The bailiffs will issue a compliance letter, allowing the opportunity to contact them and pay the outstanding balance in full or discuss a payment arrangement.
2. Enforcement stage: If the outstanding balance is not paid in full, or default occurs on any agreed payment plan, the case will progress to this stage. At this point, if payment is not made, the bailiff may take control of goods to the value of the debt.
3. Sale or disposal stage: Where the outstanding balance is not paid, goods taken may be sold at auction.

If you are unable to pay the amount requested please contact the council immediately.

Also, if you have any dispute about the amount of business rates you should be paying please contact us immediately.