I have today received a summons for means inquiry set for 13th July 2011 for a total of 3 years council tax I am not refusing to pay the council tax i have not really had the means of paying it due to a lack of funds coming into the household I know i should of sorted this out earlier but have recently lost my job and nearly the home and am seriously panicking here I have now lost my job and am panicking that I would be taken away to prison !!!! Please help me can I apply to the council prior to the set date to come to an aagreement via direct debit to pay off the full sum via installments ? Any help I would greatly appreciate !!!!