Request to defend yourself if you've received a Council Tax court summons

Use this form if you have a valid defence and want to attend your hearing to defend yourself.

If you have received a summons and want to pay your bill in full or set up a direct debit then you should not complete this form. Make a payment or set up a direct debit.

If you don't have a valid defence then do not use this form as you will not be able to attend, request a payment plan instead.

If you request to attend and have a valid defence, the court will contact you on the day of your hearing by telephone. You will be "dialled in" to the virtual court which takes place by BTMeetme conference call. You will need to be available for the entire length of the court hearing which could be for up to two hours from the time stated on your summons.

Only use this form if you have recently received a summons for an upcoming court date and have a valid defence. You can only use this form up to 6pm on the day before your hearing.

Using this form

When you go through the form, you have about 20 minutes to complete each page. Don't use your normal 'Back' button to return to an earlier question, but use the 'Previous' button on the page you are on. Questions marked * can't be left blank.