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New scheme for council tax

Catherine Deshayes

A protocol to ensure better council tax arrears collection practices will be launched today by Citizens Advice and the Local Government Association (LGA) at the LGA conference in Harrogate...

The new protocol makes a series of suggestions on how existing relations between local authorities and advice agencies can be strengthened so that council tax payers get a better level of service. It aims to strike a balance between efficient collection and ensuring vulnerable people and those facing financial difficulties get quality debt advice. This is especially important given the current times of economic uncertainty.

Some of the suggestions in the protocol include:

Publicising debt advice contact details on council tax notices.

Producing literature addressing any likely concerns debtors may have on bailiffs and enforcement. Information should cover charges bailiffs are allowed to make by law, how to complain about bailiff behaviour and how to check bailiff certification.

Promoting different payment dates within the month as options available to council tax payers. This can allow people to budget more effectively for council tax when they have the money.

Consider the level of debt (inclusive of liability order fees) before bailiff action is taken

David Harker, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice said, "By setting down clear procedures and keeping them regularly under review, all parties can ensure that cases of arrears are dealt with quickly and realistically whilst complaints are handled efficiently.

"This partnership approach is even more important at a time of economic uncertainty in order to ensure that taxpayers are able to pay their council tax bills on time, get the benefits to which they are entitled and those in financial difficulty get high quality debt advice. One of the strengths of the protocol is that it is based on examples that have been tried and tested at one or more local authority in England or Wales. "

Cllr Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the LGA, said, "The impact of the economic downturn has been clear to councils from an early stage. Town halls have seen an increase in demand for debt, housing and employment advice services.

"Councils continue to watch out for local people who need more help. It's crucial everyone keeps on working together to provide the safety net that more residents will be depending on as times get tougher. This protocol shows how much councils are already doing and will ensure the best support and advice is made available to as many people as possible."

The protocol will be distributed throughout the national network of local authorities and be sent to all Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales.

Source: www.citizensadvice.org.uk