Cash-strapped councils are still instructing bailiffs to recover debts from vulnerable people despite the Government’s demand that they should stop, The i Paper can reveal.
Data shared with The i Paper by the charity Money Advice Trust shows that at least 1.72million council tax arrears cases were referred for enforcement in the year 2025-26 – a 30 per cent rise in the last three years.
The level of council tax arrears owed to local authorities hit a record £7.4bn earlier this summer and has been rising rapidly during the cost of living crisis.
Shorts
Campaigners have long criticised councils for the way they pursue debt, which means one missed payment can quickly spiral into thousands of pounds owed and “aggressive” enforcement action.
