If anyone could give some advice on this I would be great.

Following loss of my partner in August I had a nervous breakdown had to go into hospital for a week.

My parents had to take care of my children and its been a pretty devastating and traumatic year, given the nature that he passed away.

We are back on track now and rebuilding our lives

I was out of work for a few weeks and inevitably have fallen behind on a few things.

One being council tax,

I missed 2 payments totally £84.44.

I'm sure I spoke to them on the phone at the time and told them what had happened and that I was struggling

i have received a 'south East Surrey Petty Sessional Division Summons for non-payment of council tax'

- the summons requires me to attended a local magistrates on 12 December at 9.30AM and includes court costs of £50.00.

Any advice would be extremely well accepeted!

You don't have to physically attend the hearing if you don't want to

- unless you have a valid dispute against the issuing (which are very limited)

then the court will grant the liability order

- the reason for falling behind with payments is not something that the court can consider.

Speaking to the council is always a good idea

but the fact that you told them you were struggling doesn't put any legal requirement on them to cease or hold action

- you could contacting them and explaining the situation nicely,

they may give you a break and withdraw it.

What you may also want to look at is a Section 13A discretionary reduction (google search for it).

Also make sure that you are receiving any council tax discounts you are eligible for

- if you are the only adult then a 25% discount can be claimed.

If they won't withdraw the action and you think you can clear the balance by the end of the year (inclusive of the court costs)

then ask the council for an arrangement

- they will still obtain the liability order as part of the process

but no further enforcement action would be taken providing you pay.