Bristol City Council has come under scrutiny for continuing to use bailiffs to collect unpaid council tax, despite promising an ‘ethical’ approach to the matter in 2018. This decision has led to many residents, such as Jack Scott, being hounded by debt collectors for tax arrears they were unaware of or had already paid.
The council’s debt-collection policy outlines that enforcement agents will only be used for individuals who refuse to pay rather than cannot pay. The policy also states that the council will provide guidance, support, and assess affordability before taking enforcement action. However, the Cable has uncovered cases where people were not notified of their debts until bailiffs arrived, and the council refused to take debts in-house despite willingness to pay.
During the pandemic, collection activity was paused but resumed in 2022/23, with roughly 2,000 council tax accounts being referred to enforcement agencies in the first half of 2023/24. Jack Scott’s experience with debt collectors highlights the challenges faced by residents dealing with council tax arrears and enforcement agents.
Despite complaints about being wrongly charged for unpaid taxes and facing additional charges, the council has taken some steps to address the issues. However, concerns remain about the council’s duty of care towards residents and the impact of debt collection practices on vulnerable individuals.
The Cable’s investigation revealed that total arrears owed to the council have increased significantly, raising questions about the effectiveness of debt collection strategies. Bristol City Council maintains that it follows a process of reminders and formal notices before involving enforcement agents, emphasizing the importance of early communication and support for individuals in financial difficulty.
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding authorities accountable and ensuring transparency in decision-making processes. The Cable’s work sheds light on the challenges faced by residents dealing with council tax arrears and highlights the need for ethical debt collection practices that prioritize support and affordability.
By becoming a member of independent newsrooms like the Cable, individuals can support investigative journalism that strengthens democracy and promotes accountability in local communities. The commitment to sustainable journalism is essential for uncovering issues like unfair debt collection practices and advocating for positive change in public policies.
