Are they enforceable?

I am sharing a flat with another guy who cannot pay his half of an overdue council tax bill because of a pay screwup at his work.

I got a notification today that if it isn't paid by a specific date the account would be summonsed and a £70 "legal fee" would be added. I called the CC today to see if an alternative arrangement can be worked out, like an extension on the due date. I can pay my half of the outstanding but I can't afford to pay it all.

I was told that no, it doesn't work like that. If we can't pay by date x, the account will be summonsed after an unspecified time and a £70 "legal fee" would be added, and then alternative arrangements could be discussed.

So is this £70 fee enforceable, in light of the fact I've already offered to discuss alternative arrangements? Them simply refusing to do so until the summons is issued because "that's just the way the system works" doesn't sound to me like an argument that would stand up in court. Am I wrong?

Unfortunately they are correct and there is not a lot you can do about it. They can even make you pay the whole bill as you are classed as jointly & severally liable.

PT

Grr, it makes me so cross. Thanks for the reply though.

....I was told that no, it doesn't work like that. If we can't pay by date x, the account will be summonsed after an unspecified time and a £70 "legal fee" would be added, and then alternative arrangements could be discussed....

What your council has stated here is concrete evidence that these court costs are just a source of extra revenue which is obtained at the expense of caught-out householders. They might easily have said, we'll not help you in your financial predicament until we've taken you to court and imposed a £70 penalty for the pleasure.

Do you know whether Cardiff Council charge another fee in addition to the £70 summons, i.e. costs for obtaining the liability order?