Council tax collection figures cause controversy
Council tax collection figures cause controversy
Friday 9th January 2009
The figures, obtained by the Liberal Democrats under the Freedom of Information Act, show that 570,500 UK residents received a visit from bailiffs due to unpaid council tax last year.
Julia Goldsworthy, the Liberal Dems' local government secretary, attacked local authorities for taking a heavy-handed approach to recovering arrears from people who are under pressure to make mortgage payments and other financial commitments.
She commented: "Overstretched families are already struggling to meet their mortgage repayments and keep their homes, but this survey shows that failing to pay council tax can have just as devastating an effect on householders."
However, vice-chairman of the Local Government Association Jeremy Beecham defended the actions of local authorities.
"Town halls only take measures such as bankruptcy as an absolute last resort … People struggling to pay bills are given as much leeway as possible," he said.
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