TWO MEN have been sentenced for failing to pay their council tax.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council took five residents across the borough to court following the non-payment of council tax with debt totalling £31,700.

The two men were sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

One man was handed a 60-day suspended sentence on the agreement that he repays the borough council £150 per month whilst the other man in court received a 60-day suspended sentence but has been ordered to repay £100 per month.

Three other people who were due to appear in court failed to attend and a warrant has now been issued for their arrest.

As reported by The Gazette in May, the borough council has launched a crackdown in a bid to get council tax evaders to pay their bills.

The move has even seen the borough council take persistent offenders to court to recoup the money.

Since March, 25 people have been summoned to court, facing the threat of up to 90 days in prison if they don’t pay up in full or make regular payment arrangements.

Cabinet member for property, finance and commissioning, Councillor John Izett, said: “Taking court action is a last resort in seeking to deal with people who persistently don't pay their council tax but benefit from the services we provide.

“This tough stance is about ensuring fairness for residents who do diligently pay their council tax every year as well recouping money to help fund council services for all residents. As always, we remain willing to offer advice to those who are struggling to pay for genuine reasons.”

Residents who are having difficulty in managing their council tax account should contact the borough council on 01256 844844.

For more information on paying your council tax, visit basingstoke.gov.uk/go/counciltax.