Sterling Park Debt Recovery/Council Tax arrears from 1993

[koreen555]

My brother, who has kidney failure and unable to work due to this, claiming Disability Living Allowance, has been suddenly sent a letter from Stirling Park Debt Recovery. It appears its for Community Charge from 1990-1993, I was under the impression that debt over 6 years old was written off if it was not recognised etc but maybe I'm wrong about this its maybe not the case with council/ community tax? I'm in abit of a muddle as they are demanding about £1000 which he does not have and unfortunately I dont have either. The problem is he now receives a very small income from DLA benefits, the letter stated they would take furniture etc from his house court action etc. What on earth can I do except the waiting at the council office and pleading with them?

[MARTIN3030]

Welcome to the site.
If I am not mistaken Council tax arrears are not subject to 6 years thats to say that they can still be collectable.There would have been an enforcement order made for this it does seem strange that its only just surfaced now ?I think you need to get paperwork that relates to it.
Are Sterling park collecting on behalf of the council ?
Baliffs are restricted as to what they can do and have to consider financial circumstances.
Its important that you get to know your rights.
We need further information in order to help.

1. What does the letter say that Stirling have sent-are they certified ?

2. What have the Council said ?
3. Have you had any direct communications with Stirling ?
3. Are you currently on Council Tax benefits now ?
4. On your last Council Tax bill were these arrears shown ?


Dont let these people into the house and make a note of times/actions if they call to the house.

Ask the Council for the details of these charges and when the order to collect was made...and if there was a court hearing.

Most importantly try not to worry I know its easy to say but you will get help here to solve matters.

[koreen555]

thanks for the reply,
The letter looks official it states North Ayrshire Council - Arrears of Council Tax, the sheriff court granted Summary Warrant against you for recovery of all council tax and water & sewerage charges due and unpaid for the accounts details together with the statutory addition of 10%.
You are required by legislation to provide certain information within 14 days. Failure to provide the relevant information or to knowingly provide false information may render you liable to an initial penalty of £50. Unless he pays the full amount to Stirling Park (who appear to be the debt collection agents for the council here) they req name national insurance number bank sort code and account number and also asks if in receipt of any benefits its dated the 12/6/8 so still time to deal with it.
Just wondering if I would be able to make payments to it on a monthly basis or if my brother could be checked re his income/outgoings to see what he could afford. Maybe a quick dash to the citizens advice place is in order first?

[JonCris]

Whatever you do if you don't owe the money yourself don't pay it.

When was the warrant granted? If recently then your entitled to know why it took so long. In fact particularly because of your brothers condition & this inordinate delay you may be able to have the warrant set aside

Contact CAB & after 1st contacting the issuing court to ask why it was granted after such a long time

[IdaInFife]

Also to adds to Jons post, Your brother could be classed as vulnerable so if you are due this you can ask the council to take back the account so you don't have to deal with Sterling Park.