Full Breakdown
Northumberland Councillor Barry Elliott Ordered to Pay £38,499 in Debts
11/29/2025, 12:04:26 AM
Court Ruling on Council Tax and Business Rates Arrears
Barry Elliott, a Reform UK councillor representing the Newsham ward in Blyth, has been ordered by a district judge to pay a total of £38,499.59 in council tax and business rates arrears to Northumberland County Council. The ruling came after Elliott appeared in Newcastle’s Civil & Family Courts, where he sought to have a statutory demand against him set aside. The judge dismissed his appeal, stating that the debts are payable and should be settled.
Details of the Case
The debts in question date from 2020 to 2025 and include approximately £28,539 related to business rates and around £10,000 in unpaid council tax. Elliott, who owns about 40 properties, argued that the council had served its liability order at the wrong address and claimed he had "never run away" from his responsibilities. He alleged that the council was targeting him for "political" reasons following his election and accused the authority of acting "fraudulently" by failing to collect the debts sooner.
During the court proceedings, Elliott expressed frustration over what he perceived as unfair treatment, stating that he does not wish to evade tax payments but believes the council's figures are "totally wrong." He also questioned why neighboring businesses received £30,000 in government grants during the COVID-19 pandemic while he did not.
Official Statements & Responses
Fiona Todd, the barrister representing Northumberland County Council, refuted Elliott's claims, asserting that the council had not failed in its duty to pursue the debts. She characterized Elliott's arguments as irrelevant to the case and lacking supporting evidence. The judge, Terence Phillips, upheld the council's position, affirming that the statutory demand could remain and that Elliott's application was dismissed.
Criticism & Opposition
Elliott's allegations of political targeting and unfair treatment have been met with skepticism from the council's legal representation. Todd emphasized that the council's actions were justified and that Elliott's claims did not hold merit in the context of the hearing.
What's Next
Following the ruling, Elliott has the right to appeal within 21 days and can also challenge the statutory demand in magistrates' court. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay legal costs of £2,680 to the local authority by December 9.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am not here to try and get rid of those payments. I just don’t think they are fair, I don’t think they have been applied fairly and some of them are totally wrong.” — Barry Elliott, Councillor
- “The liability order is due. They are payable and they ought to be paid.” — District Judge Terence Phillips
