The council can request that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deduct the sums from certain benefits including Income Support and Job Seekers Allowance.

Deductions from benefit will only be made where the claimant is named in the Liability Order.

If the council has tried all other options they may request that the Magistrates issue a summons for you to appear before them to explain why you have not paid your debt and to enquire into your means.

If the court is satisfied that you have had the means to pay the debt and that you have either willfully refused to pay the debt or that you have been culpably negligent in not paying the debt, you may be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 3 months for each debt.

The court may decide to postpone the imprisonment upon the payment of an agreed amount until the debt is paid.

The court has the power in some circumstances to remit the debt or part of the debt if it sees fit.