Council Tax Non-Payment - Affects Naturalisation??? Please Help.

Hello,

I would really appreciate any advice or knowledge, or a point in the right direction if you think you can help .

The story: DH was responsible for paying council tax and I was responsible for rent, we had been too busy/lazy to set up a joint account... Anyway long story short he is not very organised with bills and as a result, I have had 2 liability orders put against me (due to non-payment of council tax), had 2 missed court summons, and have paid off one council tax account. The other is being debited monthly directly from our (now-set up) joint account. I realise now this is something we both need to work together to maintain - lesson definitely learned. So..

The problem: I am applying for naturalisation but I don't know whether to mention it on my good character section.

So my question is: How do I find out if it qualifies as a (1) civil penalty (2) criminal conviction, or (3) caution, warning, or reprimand.

I have called the Home Office, Citizens Advice, my local council and local police station and I can't seem to get any real answers. I'm desperate for advice. Thanks!!

I have had 2 liability orders put against me (due to non-payment of council tax), had 2 missed court summons, and have paid off one council tax account. The other is being debited monthly directly from our (now-set up) joint account.



The problem: I am applying for naturalisation but I don't know whether to mention it on my good character section.

You must fill in the form honestly or you risk being refused for deception and receiving a 10 year ban.

Council Tax is always thought of as a priority payment because the councils have a lot of powers to collect the taxes they are owed.
https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-arrears

So my question is: How do I find out if it qualifies as a (1) civil penalty (2) criminal conviction, or (3) caution, warning, or reprimand.

It won't be (3) as you were taken to court.

On the Good Character requirements for British Citizenship, non-payment of Council Tax is 6.4 on page 22 (of 31).
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/406368/Chapter_18_Annex_D_v02.pdf

But with two liabilty orders against you and for the same offence, I can't work out from that how they would then view your application under 3.6.b. pattern of behaviour that calls into question their character?

You might need to take advice from a good immigration solicitor.