Summary
A debt charity, StepChange, is calling for councils in the UK to stop threatening imprisonment for people who miss council tax payments. The charity claims that only four people have been jailed for this since 2020 and that such threats are unhelpful. Councils are expected to announce new tax rates soon, and some use tough language in communication about unpaid taxes.
Key Facts
- StepChange called for ending prison threats for missed council tax payments.
- Only four people have been imprisoned for this since 2020.
- Some councils mention prison in early communication to those missing payments.
- Council tax rates are set to rise for many people in April.
- The Local Government Association says councils must collect taxes to fund local services.
- A report found that council messaging about tax non-payment varies widely.
- One person facing non-payment orders said they felt vulnerable.
- StepChange argues threats may make people ignore help offers.
