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LGA responds to Money Advice Trust report on use of bailiffs
Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, Cllr Richard Watts, responded to the latest ‘Stop The Knock’ report published by the Money Advice Trust, which shows the use of bailiffs to collect council tax remained stable between 2016/17 and 2018/19
“Councils have a duty to their residents to collect taxes, which play a vital role in funding important services that people rely on. However, we realise that times are tough and councils do their best to protect those affected the most, whether through introducing hardships funds or taking a sympathetic and constructive approach to the way we collect unpaid tax.
“We have worked with Citizens Advice on a protocol for recovering debts, which as this report demonstrates is having a positive effect. It includes the need for fair collection and enforcement policies and the ability for councils to take back cases involving vulnerable families.
“Anyone having trouble paying their council bills should get in touch with their local authority for financial help and advice.”
