Ministry issues best practice guidance on council tax collection
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued best practice for local authorities on council tax collection, including on how to make effective use of enforcement action.
The guidance, which can be viewed here, covers:
- Introduction
- Preparing for supportive council tax collection
- Working with the debt advice sector
- Engaging with billpayers
- Effective use of data
- Next steps when a resident misses an instalment
- Making effective use of enforcement action, including by appointing enforcement agents
- Further resources
Luke Hall, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, said: “Council tax is an essential source of local government revenue. Authorities use it to deliver quality public services, from caring for the most vulnerable in our communities to keeping our streets clean and safe. That is why it is vital that authorities have sufficient powers to recover arrears from households that do not pay on time.
“However, tax collection and enforcement should never come at the cost of fair treatment of residents. Local authorities are working innovatively to deal with the needs and circumstances of debtors while maintaining high rates of collection and the prevention of arrears.
“This work has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Councils’ tireless efforts, from shielding the vulnerable to accommodating rough sleepers and supporting businesses, have kept the nation safe during what is undoubtedly the most challenging time in many of our lifetimes. At the same time, authorities have supported residents by rescheduling council tax payments to support their budgets, and continued to reduce bills through their council tax support schemes.”
