Camden, Barnet and Haringey councillors summoned to court over unpaid council tax

Twelve serving councillors from three boroughs received court summonses for not paying their council tax on time Archant

Serving councillors in Camden, Barnet and Haringey have been issued court summonses for not paying their council tax on time, an investigation has revealed.

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A total of 12 councillors were issued summonses for non-payment of council tax from across the three boroughs.

Barnet Council had the worst track record, with eight serving councillors receiving calls to appear in court if the debt was not paid. All payments were settled in full.

The figures, from a Freedom of Information Act request by the BBC’s Sunday Politics London show, also revealed that one councillor in Camden received a court summons.

In a statement, Camden Council said no current councillors were in arrears with their council tax.

In Haringey, three serving councillors have been issued with court summonses, two between April 2011 and March 2012. Four Haringey councillors also received reminders during that period.

A spokesperson from Barnet Council said: “The council takes non-payment of council tax seriously regardless of whether that person is in public office or not.

“The figures cover a period dating back to 2000 and in all instances the balances have been paid in full.”

A spokesperson from Camden Council said: “People can fall into arrears with their council tax for a number of reasons, including accidental oversight.

“When seeking collection of these payments the same procedures apply to councillors as it does for residents.”

Haringey Council confirmed the figures were correct but did not comment.