Worst local authorities for using bailiffs to chase unpaid council tax bills – how to get help if you've fallen behind
If you miss one bill you could end up with a debt collection letter demanding your entire year's bill is paid in full.
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Rules are set to change due to a government intervention - but not until a few years.
Here, JAMES FLANDERS reveals the areas where bailiffs are being called into chase debts by local councils - and how to get help if you're affected.
Stop the knock!
Council tax debt is rocketing, with £6.6billion owed to local authorities in England alone - a figure that's risen by £642million in the last year.
Households face annual rises to bills each April - but miss one bill and could end up being chased by debt collectors due to current rules.
Use of bailiffs by councils have increased by an average of 13 per cent in the last year, according to Freedom of Information data compiled by Money Advice Trust on The Sun's behalf.
And the average bill for anyone looking for help is up 46 per cent to £1,958, according to National Debtline.
Toby Murray from Debt Justice said: 'Council tax debt is skyrocketing, and people on the lowest incomes are bearing the brunt.
'Rather than supporting residents who are struggling with debt, councils send in the bailiffs - bringing additional fees, intimidation and fear.
'The government must act now to ban bailiffs from council tax debt collection."
Here we reveal the areas worst affected by bailiff use according to the FOI data.
The data shows dramatic increases in bailiff referrals between 2023 and 2024.
Wealden District Council saw a staggering 664 per cent rise, East Lindsey District Council jumped by 556 per cent, Three River by 455 per cent and Lewisham soared by 435 per cent.
Meanwhile, Birmingham leads in the sheer volume of cases, with 46,688 households referred to bailiffs last year.
Other councils with high referral numbers include Barnet (32,772), Manchester (27,076), Croydon (25,380), and Liverpool (25,269).
Grace Brownfield from the Money Advice Trust said: 'If the government is serious about tackling this problem, they will also need to invest more funding in local Council Tax Support schemes.
"We need to stop people falling behind with council tax in the first place."
How to get help
Families struggling with council tax can get a break with the 'breathing space' scheme, which pauses payments and other debts for 60 days.
To access the scheme, you'll need a referral from a debt adviser.
You can do this for free by visiting stepchange.org.
During the 60-day period, you'll be protected from bailiffs and legal action while receiving expert advice to find long-term solutions.
You should also reach out to your council to check if you're eligible for money off your council tax bill.
Single-person households can get 25 per cent off, while pensioners, low-income families, and those on the guarantee element of Pension Credit could qualify for a full reduction.
Richard Lane of StepChange, said: 'Always check if you qualify for council tax discounts, work out what you can afford, and contact your council to arrange a repayment plan.
'If you're still struggling, reach out to free and impartial debt advice charities.'
For help with council tax or other debts, free support is available from Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848), StepChange (0800 138 1111), and National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
Change is coming - but not until few years
In June the government announced plans to shake-up council tax collection rules, by extending payment deadlines and cracking down on aggressive enforcement action if payments are missed.
One option being considered is to spread payments over 12 months instead of ten, reducing the average monthly bill for a band D property by £38 a month.
The consultation ends in September and it will use this to decide on the next steps, but it hasn't confirmed when new rules could come into force.
Beat the bailiff
If a bailiff or enforcement agent knocks at your door, lock your doors first, as they can enter through unlocked ones.
Ask for proof of identity and the reason for their visit.
Legitimate bailiffs must carry court or agency-issued ID, including a photo, name, and details of who they represent.
Always verify their ID before letting them in.
The most common type of bailiff is a Certificated Enforcement Agent, who collects unpaid rent, council tax, parking fines, or child support.
If they lack proof of authorisation, tell them to leave and call 999 if they refuse.
If the debt is yours, ask for a full breakdown of what's owed and to whom.
You're not responsible for someone else's debt, even if it belongs to your adult child or partner.
If it's your debt, tell the bailiff to leave and say you'll speak to a debt charity, and to your creditor to make arrangements to pay.
They'll normally leave if you tell them to, and you should then make arrangements to repay your debt.
For vulnerable individuals - such as those who are disabled, seriously ill, pregnant, or parents of young children - extra protections apply, including more time to pay and not being visited alone.
SYLVIE Denne, 56, from Croydon, has endured four nervous breakdowns and crippling financial stress after discovering her council tax arrears had soared to £13,000.
The ordeal began in 2019 when bailiffs demanded £2,500 in unpaid council tax.
Her daughter, Rachael, took out a loan to cover the debt, thinking the issue was resolved. But in 2021, Sylvie received a letter stating she owed £13,000 in arrears dating back to 2008 due to incorrect payments.
On Universal Credit, Sylvie offered to pay £200 monthly on top of her regular £150 bill, but Croydon Council insisted on £360.
By 2022, a court summons revealed she still owed £7,000 after missing payments for a year.
The financial strain has taken a toll on Sylvie's mental and physical health. 'I'm unwell, living hand to mouth, and terrified every time a letter arrives,' she said.
Rachael, deeply concerned about her mum's wellbeing, criticised the council's handling of the situation.
'Their communication is shocking. Mum sacrifices essentials just to avoid the stress of bailiffs knocking on the door,' she said.
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