Citizens Advice research* shows that missing one average monthly council tax payment can lead to a debt of over £2000 in just 9 weeks.
This terrifying prospect arises because falling behind means becoming liable to pay the full annual bill in 2 weeks. Then, court costs and bailiff fees totalling around £400 are added on top.
Total arrears in England & Wales in 2018: £3 billion.
The research quotes government data showing that in 2018 nearly 10% of households in England and Wales had council tax arrears adding up to more than £3 billion without the extra costs.
At local level, in 2018-19 (year to 31 March) CARBS advisers helped people with council tax arrears on over 200 occasions (130 in 2017-18). Council Tax accounted for 17% of all debt problems (12%). Including rent and mortgage arrears and over-payment of housing and council benefit, some 40% of client debt problems were housing-related. (Source CARBS data)
Citing its nationwide research Citizens Advice is asking for policy changes to:
* Harsh collection methods adding half a billion in fees to people’s council tax debt, Citizens Advice, 26/04/19