Agenda item

Councillor Grimshaw asked the following question:

“What is NPTBC doing to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of council tax debt?”

Cllr Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice responded:

“The Council Tax team will check if the taxpayer qualifies for any of the 30 available discounts or exemptions available. In addition, the Council Tax support scheme, a means tested reduction based on specific circumstances and the Council supports 15,300 tax payers via this scheme. Support and signposting is offered for debt support including to our welfare rights team who ensure all eligible benefits are claimed, payment plans for arrears.

Different payment systems are available to assist wherever possible and text alerts are sent to advise on missed payments. Residents are encouraged to engage with the Council as soon as possible if they are experiencing any difficulties so that support can be offered and discussed.”

Cllr Grimshaw followed up with:

“Given that 4,492 residents in NPT in the current financial year have been billed for the full year following a missed payment it is clear that Council Tax debt is a problem. As debt collection agencies are legally required to act responsibly and not demand unreasonable payments such as the full amount in one go and agree payment plans, Council’s do not have same legal obligation. Do you agree that this legal obligation should also extend to Council Tax debt?”

Cllr Knoyle responded:

“I will reserve judgement on that, and out of the 4,492 council tax payers referenced, some will already have engaged with us. I will ask the Council Tax team to come back with more information on the people and cases involved in order to provide us with further detail to allow us to further consider our position.”