Council tax debt rises to £9bn but here's how you can get help
Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of debt charity StepChange, said: "Our advisors know all too well just how deep the council tax affordability crisis runs.
"With one in three of those coming to StepChange behind on this bill, these latest figures are no surprise to us and point to a system that perpetuates debt with little to no constructive route out."
Charities are urging anyone struggling to check whether they are eligible for council tax discounts and support.
They vary depending on your council area, external, but include:
A 25% discount for adults living on their own
A total exemption from council tax for full-time students
People with disabilities being able to apply to move to a different council tax band with a lower bill
Help to pay for those on low incomes through Council Tax Support, external, but this too crucially requires making an application. The system is different in Northern Ireland where you may claim housing benefit
Charities, such as the National Debtline, say local authorities need more funding to provide support which varies significantly.
They have also long campaigned for councils to stop the use of bailiffs and threats of court action and prison, arguing that it stops people seeking help for non-payment.
In April, the government published plans to change the collection system for council tax in England, including a change to payment over 12 months rather than the current 10 instalments.
Under the proposals, external, people struggling to pay would be given 63 days, roughly two months, to settle their bill.
There would also be a requirement for councils to work with them on a sustainable repayment plan. Many councils have demanded the full year's payment after people missed one month's bill.
The changes could be introduced next year.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Council tax debt has accumulated to £9bn. One in three people contacting debt charity StepChange are behind on council tax payments. Various support mechanisms exist but require active application: single adults receive 25% discounts, full-time students are exempt, disabled people can apply for lower council tax bands, and those on low incomes can access Council Tax Support. Charities including National Debtline highlight funding gaps and point out that bailiff and court action threats discourage people from seeking help. The government has proposed changes to the English council tax collection system, including extending payment periods to 12 months (from 10 instalments) and giving struggling payers 63 days to settle bills, with councils required to negotiate sustainable repayment plans. These changes could take effect next year.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of debt charity StepChange, said: "Our advisors know all too well just how deep the council tax affordability crisis runs.
"With one in three of those coming to StepChange behind on this bill, these latest figures are no surprise to us and point to a system that perpetuates debt with little to no constructive route out."
Charities are urging anyone struggling to check whether they are eligible for council tax discounts and support.
They vary depending on your council area, external, but include:
A 25% discount for adults living on their own
A total exemption from council tax for full-time students
People with disabilities being able to apply to move to a different council tax band with a lower bill
Help to pay for those on low incomes through Council Tax Support, external, but this too crucially requires making an application. The system is different in Northern Ireland where you may claim housing benefit
Charities, such as the National Debtline, say local authorities need more funding to provide support which varies significantly.
They have also long campaigned for councils to stop the use of bailiffs and threats of court action and prison, arguing that it stops people seeking help for non-payment.
In April, the government published plans to change the collection system for council tax in England, including a change to payment over 12 months rather than the current 10 instalments.
Under the proposals, external, people struggling to pay would be given 63 days, roughly two months, to settle their bill.
There would also be a requirement for councils to work with them on a sustainable repayment plan. Many councils have demanded the full year's payment after people missed one month's bill.
The changes could be introduced next year.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Council tax debt has risen to £9bn One in three people seeking advice from StepChange are behind on council tax payments A 25% discount applies to adults living alone Full-time students are exempt from council tax People with disabilities can apply to move to a lower council tax band Council Tax Support is available for low-income households but requires application The government proposed changes to the collection system in April, including 12-month payment periods and a 63-day grace period for struggling payers Councils would be required to work with struggling payers on sustainable repayment plans under the proposals The proposed changes could be introduced next year The current system perpetuates debt with little constructive route out Local authorities need more funding to provide adequate support Councils should stop using bailiffs and threats of court action and prison Bailiff threats and court action stop people seeking help for non-payment
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- Council tax debt in the UK has reached £9bn, with charities reporting one in three people seeking debt advice are behind on payments
- Eligible households can access support including 25% single-occupant discounts, student exemptions, disability band adjustments, and Council Tax Support for low-income households
- The government proposed collection system changes for England including a 63-day grace period for struggling payers and requirements for councils to work on sustainable repayment plans, potentially introducing these next year
- Charities argue councils need more funding and say bailiff threats deter people from seeking help