Councils slammed over tax reclaims

08/01/2009

Around 600,000 Britons were visited by bailiffs last year after falling behind on their council tax payments, figures from the Liberal Democrats show.

The total number receiving a court summons for not paying the tax was also found to have hit 1.2 million - with councils filing for the bankruptcy of 1,700 people.

These high totals come against a background of rising unemployment caused by the economic slowdown - conditions which put the squeeze on people's budgets and makes it more difficult to meet extra costs.

Nevertheless, the government was criticised for its tactics in reclaiming the debts.

"Just as lenders are being asked to reduce repossessions, public bodies should do everything they can to ensure that bankruptcy is only ever a last resort," the Lib Dems' local government spokesperson Julia Goldsworthy said.

However, Local Government Association vice-chairman Sir Jeremy Beecham defended the councils against the accusations.

"Town halls only take measures such as bankruptcy as an absolute last resort and with people who have a history of non-payment," he commented.

"People struggling to pay bills are given as much leeway as possible."

Tags; Budgeting Advice, Young Family Finances,

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