Council tells traders that failing to pay their business rates could land them in court (From Times Series)

Council tells traders that failing to pay their business rates could land them in court

5:27pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Top Stories By Emma Phippen

The council has responded to threats by traders in Southgate not to pay their business rates, in protest at parking payment systems, by saying that this would be an offence that could land them in court.

Councillor Daniel Thomas, cabinet member for resources and performance and deputy leader of Barnet Council, said: “Central Government sets business rates and the council simply collects them on its behalf. Non-payment of business rates is an offence and businesses failing to pay could ultimately be brought before a court.

“More than 163,000 motorists have already signed up to the pay by phone parking system with a number of others using PayPoint or scratch cards as a cash alternative.

“Traders are, of course, free to stock scratch cards which they can then sell on to help bring customers into their shops.”

George Kafizas, who owns the Brooks Diner, is encouraging traders in Hampden Square not to pay their business rates this year in protest at the new pay by phone system of paying for parking in the square.

He believes that this system is discouraging people from coming to the square as he feels it is a slow and inefficient way of paying.

Mr Kafizas, 50, of Shamrock Way, said: “It is becoming the forgotten land here. The council just hammers us with these ridiculous ideas it comes up with.

“All our hard work and investments have done for nothing and in protest I am encouraging traders and residents not to pay their council taxes and business rates this year.”

Mr Kafizas added: “I wish the whole country would just refuse to pay their bills and then the council would see who is really in charge.”