Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989 (“the 1989 Regulations”) and the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 (“the 1992 Regulations”). They come into force on 1st April 2007 and apply in relation to billing authorities in England. The amendments in regulation 3(3), which concern attachment of earning orders, do not apply to orders made before 1st April 2007 (regulation 1).

Regulations 2(2) and 3(4) amend paragraph 2(1)(b) of Schedule 3 to the 1989 Regulations and paragraph 2(1)(b) of Schedule 5 to the 1992 Regulations respectively. Those Schedules specify charges connected with the recovery of unpaid non-domestic rates and council tax by levying distress on the debtor’s goods. Most of the charges were increased by S.I. 2006/3395 (“the 2006 Regulations”), which came into force on 31st January 2007 and will apply from 1st April 2007. Those increases were in line with inflation and increases in court fees over the period since the 1989 Regulations and the 1992 Regulations were last updated. The amendments made by regulations 2(2) and 3(4) ensure that charges for levying distress are consistent with the other changes made by the 2006 Regulations.

Regulation 3(2) amends the form of attachment of earnings order in Schedule 3 to the 1992 Regulations. The revised wording explains more fully the relationship between regulation 34 (application for liability order) and regulation 37 (making of attachment of earnings order) of the 1992 Regulations.

Regulation 3(3) amends Table A of Schedule 4 to the 1992 Regulations, which specifies amounts which must be deducted from a person’s weekly net earnings by reference to specified levels of that person’s net earnings. Those levels were increased by the 2006 Regulations in line with changes in the average earnings index over the period since the 1992 Regulations were last updated. One of the changes made by the 2006 Regulations was incorrect. Regulation 3(3) substitutes the correct amount.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument, as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.