Newly released figures from National Debtline and the Centre for Social Justice have revealed that Wokingham Borough Council referred 4,689 debts to bailiffs in 2022/23, prompting renewed calls for improvements to be made to the council’s debt collection practices.
National Debtline, the free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, has written to the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, urging the council to commit to improve the way it collects council tax arrears and other debts.
Wokingham Borough Council figures, revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request, show the authority referred 4,689 debts to bailiffs in the 2022/23 financial year – a 50% increase on pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19.
The charity said that bailiff use remains too high, with action needed to improve collection practices so that fewer debts are sent to bailiffs in the first place.
Across England and Wales, 2.71 million debts were referred to bailiffs by councils during 2022/23 – broadly unchanged on pre-pandemic levels (2.65 million in 2018/19).
Wokingham Borough Council is one of 41% of local authorities which has increased its overall use of bailiffs in that time.
Bailiffs, known officially as enforcement agents, have the right to visit a property and can remove and sell goods to repay certain debts, including council tax arrears, parking penalty charge notices and other debts.
National Debtline is calling for national changes from the Government to help reduce and reform bailiff action, including through new ring-fenced funding for councils to provide 100% Council Tax support schemes for those on the lowest incomes.
The charity-run service is calling for Wokingham Borough Council to adopt all six of its ‘six steps’ to improve collection practices. This includes exempting residents receiving local Council Tax support from any form of bailiff action.
Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Local authorities remain under significant financial pressure and council tax plays a crucial role in funding vital local services.
“Facing bailiff action, however, can be a distressing experience and risks pushing people already struggling into deeper financial difficulty. Bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.
“Unfortunately, Wokingham Borough Council’s use of bailiffs remains high – and our research shows the council is one of 41% of authorities which had increased bailiff use compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“Improving debt collection practices benefits not just people in financial difficulty, but councils too. We have written to the Leader with steps they can take so that fewer debts need to be passed to bailiffs in the first place.
“We are also calling on the new government to support Wokingham Borough Council and other councils by introducing ring-fenced funding to enable all local authorities to provide 100% Council Tax support to households on the lowest incomes.
“I would urge anyone in Wokingham struggling with their finances to get in touch with National Debtline as soon as possible. Our expert advisers provide free, impartial support and can help residents make a plan whatever their circumstances.”
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council confirmed the figures.
“This relates to Council Tax (3,254), parking (PCNs) (1,176), business rates (223), and sundry debts/overpayments (36).
“In terms of trends, the figures for 2023/2024 show the use of bailiffs has fallen by 13.26% – down to 4,067.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, executive member for finance and governance, said: “We will always try to work with residents and businesses first to address any debts, and the use of bailiffs will always be a last resort – and something we don’t undertake lightly.
“We also remain low compared with neighbouring boroughs referrals.
“We encourage people to contact us if they are struggling to pay, and offer a range of support such as council tax reductions, advice on wider benefits, or relief they may be entitled to.
“We will also signpost people to free debt advice organisations from which they can obtain support.
“However, we remain one of the lowest funded local authorities in the country, and have a responsibility to all our residents to ensure that essential income, like council tax, is collected.
“It’s this income that allows us to continue to provide services for residents across the borough, from maintaining highways to supporting children with special education needs and disabilities or providing people with the care and support they need.
National Debtline offers free, independent debt advice on 0808 808 4000 or at www.nationaldebtline.org.
