Bailiff referrals related to outstanding council taxes have seen a significant 30% increase over the past two years, as per a recent analysis. Advocates, concerned about the growing council tax arrears, criticize the use of bailiffs as an outdated and harmful method to address debt issues. Many local authorities, facing financial challenges due to years of austerity, raised council taxes by the maximum 5% earlier this year.
Data previously gathered by Money Advice Trust revealed 1.7 million bailiff referrals for unpaid council taxes during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, marking a substantial 30% rise compared to the 1.3 million referrals two years prior, according to Debt Justice campaign group analysis.
Campaigners have raised alarms about the collective council tax debt of struggling households in England, which amounts to a staggering £6.6 billion. When bailiffs visit a property, the local council can add the bailiffs’ fees to the resident’s outstanding debt. Advocates for debt relief urge for a more compassionate approach towards those facing arrears, rather than resorting to bailiff interventions.
Dean Burn from Debt Justice criticized the use of bailiffs, emphasizing the detrimental impact it has on individuals in debt. He called for local councils to shift towards a more supportive strategy to assist those in financial difficulties. Toby Murray, a campaigns manager, highlighted the need for government action to address council tax debt reform and reduce reliance on bailiffs.
Grace Brownfield, Head of Debt Advice Communications at National Debtline, stressed the commonality of council tax debts among individuals seeking assistance. She emphasized the importance of providing support to help debtors repay their dues affordably, rather than escalating the situation with bailiff enforcement.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals dealing with unmanageable council tax payments and aggressive bailiff collections, promising plans for a fairer system to benefit taxpayers and councils in the near future.