Problems paying

If you are having problems paying you should

• consider whether you are entitled to any of the reductions outlined on the page 'how much will I pay?' and make an application
• contact Southwark Council business rates service to explain your problems and agree a revised payment arrangement

If you do not pay your business rates in line with your instalments then we will issue you with a reminder. You must pay the amount shown on the reminder within seven days to bring your account up to date.

You will then need to pay all subsequent instalments on time in the future; otherwise you will be issued with a final notice. You will then lose the right to pay by instalments and the full amount will become due.

We will not continue to issue a reminder for each missing or late instalment and only a maximum of two notices will be issued within a financial year.

Once we have issued a final notice, if your business rates are not paid in full, we will apply to the magistrates' court for a liability order, and this will incur costs.

If you receive a summons you should contact a member of staff immediately so that a payment arrangement can be made. If you do not pay in full, or make an arrangement to pay, you may incur additional costs and we can take steps to recover the debt in full.

Information on the steps you should take will be included with the summons.

On the date of the hearing the magistrates will grant a liability order and further costs will be added to your account.

We could 

• arrange for a bailiff call to enforce payment
• initiate bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings
• initiate committal proceedings against an individual

There are organisations that will be able to provide you with independent advice.