Almost £250m owed in unpaid council tax across West Yorkshire
New figures have revealed the level of council tax arrears across the region
Almost £250m is owed to local authorities across South Yorkshire according to new figures, up around £22m in just the last year.
Leeds is in the top five areas in the country for the amount of council tax in arrears, with people owning the local authority over £100m.
The figures have been released by national advice charity Debtline, which says the scale of council tax arrears is growing, with around £6.6bn now owed nationally.
It's being put down to pressures from the cost of living crisis.
Council budgets are now more stretched than ever before, with local authorities increasingly reliant on the local taxes to pay for things like social care, local schools and rubbish collections.
Steve Vaid, Chief Executive at Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, says:
“Unless changes are made at a policy level, arrears are likely to keep climbing. At National Debtline, we’re calling for improved collection practices, as well as greater investment in council tax support schemes, to prevent people falling behind in the first place.”
“Every day at National Debtline, we see how council tax continues to be one of the most common debts people face.
“Councils have a vital role in helping residents with unmanageable bills and to ensure council tax – crucial to funding local services – is collected in a way that is fair and affordable.
"I would urge anyone worried about their council tax, or any other bills, to seek free, independent advice from National Debtline. Our advisers are here to help and can talk you through your options.”