Record £8.3 Billion in Unpaid Council Tax - How to Get Help and Avoid Bailiffs

Households across England, Scotland, and Wales are facing a record £8.3 billion in unpaid council tax, according to the latest Government data. Debt Justice charity analysis shows that England owes over £6.2 billion, Scotland owes £1.5 billion, and Wales owes £160 million. Council tax arrears have increased by 79% in the last five years, with Wales seeing the biggest rise of 170%. Recent research by Debt Justice found that 4.4 million people have fallen behind on their council tax payments.

Council tax bills are expected to rise significantly this year, with the average Band D council tax in England set at £2,280. Debt Justice's policy and campaigns manager, Toby Murray, highlights that many people struggling with council tax are on low incomes and living in poverty. The charity calls for an end to the use of bailiffs for council tax debt collection and urges councils to introduce reforms to protect those most at risk.

The Government is considering changes to how council tax is collected, including spreading payments over 12 months instead of 10 and capping costs charged to households for liability orders. Failure to pay council tax can lead to severe consequences, including court summons and bailiff action. However, individuals struggling with council tax arrears can benefit from the Debt Respite Scheme, which offers a 60-day pause on debt and professional advice to create a repayment plan.

According to the source: The Sun.