Bailiff referrals for outstanding council tax have surged by an alarming 30% over the last two years, as per a recent analysis. Advocates expressing concern over council tax arrears emphasize that resorting to bailiffs is an antiquated and detrimental method of handling individuals in debt. Earlier this year, the majority of local councils, grappling with financial challenges post years of austerity measures, raised council tax by the maximum 5%.
Data from Money Advice Trust indicates 1.7 million bailiff referrals for unpaid council tax during the fiscal year 2024-2025, marking a substantial 30% increase from the 1.3 million referrals two years prior, according to the Debt Justice campaign group. Campaigners have cautioned that the collective council tax debt of struggling households in England totals a staggering £6.6 billion. When a bailiff visits a property, the local authority can tack on the bailiffs’ fees to the resident’s outstanding amount, prompting calls from debt campaigners for a more compassionate approach towards those in arrears, rather than being confronted by bailiffs at their doorstep.
Dean Burn from Debt Justice criticized the use of bailiffs, labeling it as an outdated and harmful tactic towards debtors. He highlighted the stress and additional costs faced by those struggling to meet escalating bills while bailiff firms profit without providing substantial returns to councils. Campaigns manager Toby Murray stressed the necessity for the government to prioritize individuals in debt and abolish the use of bailiffs entirely.
National Debtline’s Head of Debt Advice Communications, Grace Brownfield, emphasized the prevalence of council tax debts among individuals seeking assistance. Brownfield noted that while councils face pressures, transferring debts to bailiffs during financial hardships is not the solution. Instead, she advocated for more support to enable people to repay debts affordably, steering away from increased bailiff interventions.
A government representative acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals dealing with unmanageable council tax payments and aggressive bailiff collections, underscoring the need for a fairer system benefiting both taxpayers and councils.