Over 50 MPs, MSs, trade union leaders and councillors have joined urgent calls for the Government’s in Westminster and the Senedd to reform council tax collection, as council tax debt and bailiff use rises.
The open letter calls for the Government’s in Westminster and the Senedd to take urgent action to tackle the growing crisis of council tax debt, by using early intervention and support for those struggling to pay, rather than heavy handed enforcement action and court orders, which all too often means people are pushed further into debt, made liable for a full year’s bill overnight, and are left living in fear of a knock at the door from bailiffs.
ACORN members in London and Cardiff delivered the letters to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and the Senedd, respectively this morning.
Chelsea Phillips, ACORN National Chair said: “Council tax arrears have increased dramatically over the past couple of years, with more and more families struggling to pay as the cost of living crisis continues.”
“Research shows that one in three people in council tax debt live below the poverty line – and the punitive way council tax arrears are collected means people are pushed further into debt, with added liability fees and charges from bailiffs, and can even be made liable for an entire year’s bill at once.”
“Too many people are coming into contact with bailiffs, and these visits often involve intimidation, threats and shutting down the opportunity of other ways out, such as discussing repayment plans.
It’s hurting people, it’s hurting families, it’s hurting communities, and it must end now.”