Council repossesses property in Cheshunt
Broxbourne Council has repossessed a property in Franklin
Avenue, Cheshunt because the occupants failed to pay council tax
for nine years.
Despite bills, reminders and action being taken in the Magistrates’
Court, the occupants of the property have accrued in excess of
£13,000 since 10 February 2003, including court costs and
interest.
All bills, reminders, final notices, summons, liability orders,
bailiff and committal action have not been responded to. Excluding
two payments totalling £520, there has been no attempt to pay the
council tax owed over a period of nine years.
Having tried all other available recovery processes allowed under
council tax legislation, Broxbourne Council applied legal charges
to the property. A possession order has been made by the
court and a warrant for eviction was issued to the owner of the
property.
Both occupants have met with Council officers and the situation has
been explained to them fully. They have been advised to take
legal advice and have attended the Citizen’s Advice Bureau,
assisted by a financial advisor.
The application for a warrant was made to Edmonton County Court
early in October 2011 and the eviction date was set by the courts.
The repossession took place on Thursday 15 December. The property
will be sold and all proceeds will be used to discharge debts on
the property. Any balance will be paid to the owner of the
property.
The Council regrets such action is necessary and is thankful
that repossessions happen only rarely in the Borough as a last
resort when all other avenues have been explored. This is the
second case this financial year where a court has ordered for a
property to be repossessed. The other case was settled by
arrangement ahead of the repossession taking place.
Residents that are struggling to pay their council tax should
contact the Council’s revenues team as soon as possible on 01992
785504.
Page last updated:
12/19/2011