Council gets tough on tax evaders

Denbighshire County Council is warning those who wilfully refuse to pay council tax that the penalty can be serious.

The warning follows a 37-day custodial sentence issued to a Rhuddlan resident last week for non-payment of council tax arrears amounting to £2,444.81.

The man in question had failed to make payment in accordance with instructions from a magistrartes court previously, and on being recalled to court on two occasions, he again failed to make payment.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, said: "The majority of Denbighshire residents pay their council tax on time, but in those cases where people refuse to pay, the Council has no option but to try and reclaim what is owed.

"Taking people to court is very much the last resort, but the council will use those powers if necessary and the sentencing in this case highlights how the courts themselves are taking a tough stance".

If any Council Tax payer wishes to discuss their arrears with the Council please phone 01824 706436 or 01824 706321.