'Councils need to show more compasion with bills', as families are struggling
A motion has been tabled ahead of this month's East Devon District Council meeting calling for more support during a grace period
A Devon council is being asked to be more 'compassionate' when it chases those who owe council tax.
East Devon District Councillor Stuart Hughes has tabled a motion - calling for more support in the first instance, rather than enforcement, ahead of the meeting on July 16.
He says it's something the Goverment is also looking at, warning: "Under current procedures, residents who fall behind on their council tax payments may face enforcement action from bailiffs shortly after a liability order is granted by the magistrates’ court."
Councillor Hughes believes this process 'often compounds the hardship experienced by already vulnerable residents and is calling for a more measured approach'.
He added: "Many residents are doing their best to stay afloat in extremely difficult times. We must ensure our debt collection policies uphold the values of fairness, support, and dignity.”
He has submitted a formal question to the Council’s Cabinet member for Finance, asking for the Council to consider introducing a 28-day grace period between the issuing of a liability order and the referral to enforcement agents/bailiffs.
During this time, residents would be offered a personalised repayment plan and advice on available support, potentially reducing the need for heavy-handed enforcement.
Councillor Hughes also highlighted the importance of public engagement in shaping national policy. A government consultation on council tax collection practices is currently open and runs until September 2025. He is urging residents to take this opportunity to make their voices heard and share their experiences, to help influence a fairer and more humane approach nationwide - adding: "Enforcement action should be a last resort. A more thoughtful approach can lead to better outcomes for both residents and council finances.”
The Government consultation can be found here
The meeting agenda can be found here