Huge rise in bailiffs sent for council tax

BAILIFFS being sent out to homes to collect unpaid council tax have surged by 30% in two years, new analysis reveals.

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN Deputy Political Editor

Most councils in England this year imposed the maximum 5% tax rise on householders as authorities struggle to balance their books after years of austerity under the Tories.

Now campaigners are calling for an end to the use of debt collectors, branding it as an "outdated" way to treat people who are in debt.

The Debt Justice campaign group has revealed there were 1.3million council tax bailiff referrals in the 2022-23 financial year. Meanwhile figures from the Money Advice Trust charity show that rose to 1.7million in 2024-2025. Campaigners have previously warned the overall council tax debt stands at £6.6billion in England.