In two separate cases, two Huntingdonshire people face prison sentences, unless they pay their council tax arrears, following their appearance in court this week.

Huntingdon Magistrates sentenced Natalie Payne, of Grammar School Walk, Huntingdon to 14 days in prison, and Royston Baah, of Cambridge Street, St Neots, to 45 days.

Both defendants accepted that they owed the tax, and that they had not paid despite having the money to do so.

The Magistrates found them guilty of culpable neglect in not paying the council tax and the council’s costs in pursuing the debt. They suspended the prison sentences, whilst they pay weekly court-ordered amounts, but warned each defendant that they would be sent to prison if they default on these payments.

Over the last six weeks, seven people have received suspended sentences for unpaid council tax.

Julia Barber, the council’s Head of Revenue Services said, “We make every effort to help those suffering genuine financial hardship, however we will prosecute those who have the means to pay, but don’t.”

“The majority of our council tax payers pay on time, over 70 per cent by direct debit. It would not be fair to let others evade payment. In the next few months we will be taking similar action against those who do not pay, so now is the time to contact us if you haven’t made an arrangement to pay any arrears”.

“By now everyone should have received their bill for next year’s council tax, so why not set up a direct debit arrangement if you haven’t already done so. Direct debit makes it easy for you to pay. There is no need to queue and no chance of forgetting to pay on time”

Anyone who has council tax arrears, but does not have an arrangement to pay, should contact the Recovery Team on 01480 388030.