WARRANTS have been issued to nine Wiltshire residents who failed to turn up to court over the non-payment of council tax.

They were due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday January 18 in relation to Complaint for Council Tax Committal Applications.

A representative from Wiltshire Council said summons had been issued by post and it had received no contact, payments or notifications that the post had been returned.

Requests were made by the local authority for warrants without bail to be issued, which were agreed and signed by magistrates.

The residents issued with warrants are listed below:

  • Jennifer Bloomer, of Rowbarrow Lane, Salisbury

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £4,164.45 in respect of the period ending: March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; and March 31, 2020.

  • Jacqueline Gaughan, Gainsborough Close, Bemerton Heath

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £10,456.17 in respect of the period years ending: March 31, 2015; March 31, 2016; March 31, 2017; March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020; and March 31, 2021.

  • Natasha Louise Gifford, Evergreen Way, Amesbury

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £6,858.45 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020; and March 31, 2021.

  • Benjamin Kennedy, Waters Road, Salisbury

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £3,168.33 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

  • Stephen McKee, Water Lily Close, Staverton, Trowbridge

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £8,343.58 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2017; March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

  • Drew Powell, Brewers Baroque, Trowbridge

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £4,313.63 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

  • Philip Riley, Small Street, Churton, Devizes

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £5,721.29 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

  • Christopher Edward Carmo, Tugela Road, Chippenham

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £6,765.33 in respect of the period years ending March 31, 2016; March 31, 2017; March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

  • Lucy Cooper, Compton Close, Hilperton, Trowbridge

Complaint for Council Tax Committal Application. Complaint for committal to prison for non-payment of council tax and costs of £8,604.22 in respect of the period years ending, March 31, 2017; March 31, 2018; March 31, 2019; March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

The warrants were still live at the time of writing.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Nine people were issued with warrants due to council tax arrears at Salisbury Magistrates court on 18th January 2022. These warrants are passed to the Warrant Officers, who are specially trained staff who work in conjunction with the court service and the council to engage with those involved and encourage attendance at a Means Enquiry hearing.

“Means enquiry hearings are an important opportunity for defendants to explain their situation to a magistrate. The magistrate then has the power to either remit the debt, order repayment at an appropriate rate or commit the person to prison.

“We would like to remind everyone of the importance of paying your council tax, however if you are struggling or unable to make payments you can contact us to discuss your options.”

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