A Bushey-based ambulance and courier service has been ordered to pay nearly £70,000 over problems with its tax bill.  

Oak Tree Reliance Ltd, of 9a Elton Way, pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates' Court on March 15 to providing services without paying a security for the VAT last year.

Under the Value Added Tax Act 1994, the government can require businesses to put down a cash deposit or security if it believes they may not pay their tax or duty on time.

The ambulance service admitted failing to pay this deposit between June 16 and October 1 last year, which was taken into account in sentencing.

It was fined £3,500 and must pay £64,729.19 in compensation, a £1,400 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

A spokesperson said: “Oak Tree Reliance had some difficulty caused by the Covid pandemic. We are working with HMRC to clear the arrears.

“The company will continue to operate as normal while we settle the bill with the HMRC.”

The business, rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2022, offers a bookable ambulance service for patients across the south east and east of England to help them get to hospitals where they otherwise couldn't due to their medical condition.