Local Government Act 2003 Explanatory Notes

Section 81: Charging orders: aggregation

185.Paragraph 11 of Schedule 4 to the LGFA 1992 enables billing authorities to apply to the county court for a charge against the debtor's dwelling for which the council tax remains unpaid, in respect of a liability order made by the magistrates’ court. Regulation 50 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 stipulates that at the time of the application for the charging order, at least £1000 of the amount for which the liability order was made must remain outstanding.

186.Section 81 enables local authorities to aggregate two or more liability orders made against the same person to meet the £1000 threshold for making an application for a charging order. The section inserts a new paragraph 11A into Schedule 4 to the LGFA 1992 to allow regulations made under that Schedule to include appropriate provision.

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