Protest calls for Cornwall Council to stop 'upsetting' use of 'bully' bailiffs

A PROTEST will be held outside Lys Kernow/County Hall in Truro this month in a bid to persuade Cornwall Council to stop using private bailiffs to collect council tax debt.

- by LEE TREWHELA Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail] @LeeTrewhela

The rally's organisers say the "hugely upsetting" action can have a serious impact on people's mental health.

The demonstration will be held on Tuesday, June 24, before a meeting of the corporate finance committee.

It has been organised by ACORN Falmouth and Penryn, a union formed by members of the local community which aims to address concerns over everything from housing issues to public transport.

In a statement the group said: "If you've ever had a visit from the bailiffs, you know just how distressing they can be. Between 2022 and 2023, Cornwall Council referred 23,027 debts to bailiffs.

"Despite slashing funding for essential services, Cornwall Council has recently hiked council tax rates by almost 5%.

"The tax hike means Cornwall Council will be sending private debt collectors Marston Holdings and Bristow and Sutor after even more people - and because the debt is sold off by Cornwall Council, the recovered money goes straight into the pockets of the bailiff companies.