Council secures court victory over unpaid business rates

Middlesbrough Council has won a magistrates’ court case over unpaid business rates totalling almost £300,000.

Southmill Properties Group had 14 liability orders secured by the council against it concerning properties on the town’s Wilson Street and Linthorpe Road.

More than £222,000 was owed on the former and £72,000 on the latter, with some debts dating back to 2015, a council statement said. Southmill was also ordered to pay £32,000 towards the council’s costs.

Magistrates rejected Southmill’s claim not to have received any summonses in nine years.

Nicky Walker, executive member for finance and governance, said: “We will always do all we can to support businesses in Middlesbrough, but this case sends out a clear message that we will also pursue unpaid debts on behalf of the public.

“Our officers have worked tirelessly to recover these significant debts which have been outstanding for a number of years. I’m delighted that with the support of our auditors Veritau and their investigations work that the courts have been robust in support of our approach.”