Council Tax is a Civil matter - FOI request

 Magistrate's Courts deal with criminal offences 

https://www.gov.uk/courts

Council Tax is a Civil matter by definition in law 

FOI to the court & council template

Your Name

Your Address

Name

Address

31st August 2024

Dear Sir,

We are confused as to why XYZ Council is sending a summons for a magistrates court for council tax when it is a criminal venue?

It is our understanding that debts are civil cases and are always heard in a county court.

A magistrates court is a criminal court for summary offences such as traffic, assault or either-way

offences such as theft and handling stolen goods.

A summons for an alleged debt is usually a civil matter held in a County Court. Since a council tax

summons hearing is held in a criminal venue (XYZ Magistrates Court) yet is civil in nature;

Please confirm the jurisdiction of the court and which legislation and court rules apply.

Since a council tax application for a liability order is held in a criminal venue, yet in nature is a civil matter, please confirm the jurisdiction of the court and which legislation and CPR rules apply to those hearings.

Under The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)

I would like to request proof of where the resident’s Council Tax payments are being spent.

1 - I am writing to request a copy of the expenditure statement for the year 2021 to 2022. I would

like the full transactional list of all of the expenses paid by the council. I do not require the profit

and loss spreadsheet. I do not want to see percentages but itemised proof in pounds (£s) as to where the annual council tax is being spent.

2 - I would like to know if my council tax funds the Police Service, Ambulance Service, waste collection and Schools.

3 - If the above services are being funded I would like to know the percentages for each.

The Data shall be provided within 1 calendar month, pursuant to Article 12(3) UK GDPR.

Kind regards,

Your Name