This is the content on the back of your business rates summons letter from Medway Council:
How to pay your business rates
Direct Debit is the easiest and safest way to pay, just complete the online form at www.medway.gov.uk/Pay and choose from three payment dates.
Online or by phone
You can pay online using a credit or debit card at www.medway.gov.uk/Pay or by calling our 24-hour payment line 01643 334 477 (you cannot use the payment line if your payment reference number includes an X).
For bank transfers our bank account number is 00000000 and sort code 57-17-50. Use your account number shown on the front of this summons as a reference.
Frequently asked questions
Why have I been sent a summons?
You have not paid the amounts shown on your bill, and we have sent you at least one reminder to ask you to bring your account up to date and to pay on time. As a result of not paying on time, a final notice was issued, and your right to pay by instalments was cancelled. This summons has been issued as you did not fully pay the sum shown on the final notice.
Can I attend?
Only attend if you have a valid dispute against the liability order. For example, you have paid in full, you should not be liable, the council has not issued you with the correct documentation.
Do I need to attend court to arrange payment?
No, a payment plan is enclosed with this summons. It explains what to do if you cannot make the payments suggested.
Do I have to attend to tell the court why I have paid late or not been able to pay?
No, they do not need to know at this stage and will be asked to grant a liability order and further liability order costs of £25.00.
What is a liability order?
It is a court order that provides further powers to recover business rates.
- Enforcement agents may be passed the liability order, this will incur you in further costs
- We may decide to start bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings.
Are the costs payable?
The summons costs have become due on the issue of the summons and are payable together with the unpaid business rates before the court date. Further costs will become payable when the liability order is granted.
Money management and debt advice
The council has requested payment using the current rateable value advised by the Valuation Office Agency and there is a legal obligation to pay in accordance with the last bill issued. Therefore, any appeal made against the existing rateable value will not stop the liability order application at this hearing.
Enquiries to:
rates@medway.gov.uk (liability, missing payments, a discount, relief, or an exemption)
medwayrecoveryteam@medway.gov.uk (disputes against the application for a liability order)
Telephone: 01634 332 222
Website: www.medway.gov.uk/Rates