Council tax purge hits 100,000

Almost a third of all residents in a south London borough have been summonsed this month for non-payment of council tax.

Southwark council has adopted a 'get tough policy towards non-payers. In all, 107,460 people were sent invoices on 1 April and 33,394 have received a summons for missing two or more instalments.

Although some have now paid up, 22,911 are due in court. They face a 33 per cent surcharge and must meet the tax in full. Another 29,578 final reminders have been issued this year.