Committal to prison

If we are unable to recover Business Rates any other way, and you are a sole trader or partnership, we will apply to a Magistrates Court for a committal summons.

These are very serious matters which may lead to imprisonment. If you need assistance you should:

  • Telephone the Recovery section
  • Get legal advice from a solicitor, your local law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau
Organisation Telephone
Revenues and Benefits (Recovery) 01228 817436
Citizens Advice Bureau 01228 633900
The Law Centre 01228 515129

If you pay in full, you do not need to go to court. If you do not pay in full, you must go to the court shown on the summons.

The Court Hearing

Do not ignore the committal summons. If you do not go to the hearing, the court will issue a warrant for your immediate arrest. You could then be taken into custody where you will have to wait for your hearing.

The court will look at your income and spending to decide whether you should go to prison. You should bring evidence of your income and spending to court if possible.


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Contact us

 01228 817000

Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 8QG