Public services in Waltham Forest are seeing a welcome cash boost thanks to the council’s latest strategy for recovering outstanding Council Tax, with a single rogue landlord paying out more than £38,000 in debts and costs amassed over 14 years.
Mr Isaac Bobie, the owner of the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), agreed to settle his Council Tax bill only after Waltham Forest Council secured a charging order through the courts, forcing its sale. While it is understood that the property is currently unoccupied, this is the first time a case has reached this stage in Waltham Forest.
Since first refusing to fulfill his tax duties on the property in 2011, Mr Bobie failed to uphold his end of an arrangement subsequently made with the council after only two repayment instalments. He was then served a court summons in line with the council’s formal debt recovery procedure.
Four similar cases are currently pending, with Waltham Forest’s Revenue team optimistic about forcing property sales through the courts as an effective strategy for dealing with Council Tax cheats.
Cllr Paul Douglas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Council Tax helps to fund the essential public services on which Waltham Forest residents rely, and we will pursue anyone who selfishly averts their basic civic obligations in this manner. This is not about the threat of separating owners from their properties, this is about ensuring fairness in the system.”
“Mr Bobie’s actions over many years were particularly brazen, so I hope that this result sends a strong message to anyone unwilling to pay their fair share. The game is up.”
Waltham Forest Council will always engage with non-payers before taking drastic action. If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax, contact Waltham Forest Council as soon as possible. The longer you ignore a debt problem, the worse the situation becomes.
