Over 56,000 taken to court over council tax debt in Staffordshire and Cheshire

More than 56,000 individuals in Staffordshire and Cheshire faced court summons for unpaid council tax last year, according to a GMB Union investigation.

The report, based on freedom of information requests to local authorities, reveals the scale of arrears over the financial year 2024/25.

These issues will be a topic of discussion at GMB’s annual congress in Blackpool on 9th June 2026.

Staffordshire has seen significant numbers, with Stoke-on-Trent accounting for 18,952 court cases and being owed more than £30 million in unpaid bills.

Newcastle-under-Lyme had 6,003 summonses, with £11.3 million owed.

Staffordshire Moorlands reported 2,628 people taken to court, and Tamworth recorded 3,565.

East Staffordshire faced arrears reaching over £4.34 million.

In Cheshire, Cheshire West reported 14,033 cases with £38.4 million in outstanding taxes.

Cheshire East figures also contribute to the regional total, coupled with Halton where 11,270 court summonses were issued, adding to the substantial debts in the area.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, commented on the concerning figures:

“These horrifying figures show our council tax system is completely broken.”

She called for comprehensive reforms and increased government funding to alleviate the financial burdens impacting councils and promote equitable taxation.

This investigation underscores the financial challenges local authorities face in managing unpaid taxes while maintaining essential public services.

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