Council tax arrears is the most common debt problem people come to Citizens Advice Wokingham about.
In 2018/19 we helped around 150 people with issues around council tax debts. Our Research & Campaigns team of volunteers then identified this is a priority campaign for 2019/20.
Shortly after announcing it as a campaign, we secured some funds from Wokingham Borough Council to host a monthly advice surgery along with council staff, to support local residents with their council tax queries.
Our next session is on Tuesday – June 4 – from 4.30pm-6.30pm. If you are interested in finding out more information or attending this session, please email admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk with the subject ‘Council Tax surgery’ and your contact details.
Along with our new joint surgery, we are calling on Wokingham Borough Council to introduce our Council Tax Protocol.
Nationally, other debt issues have been falling for our clients whilst council tax arrears have risen sharply since 2013.
In 2017-2018 Citizens Advice charities across England helped 221,281 people with their council tax problems. We know that low income households are most affected, with our clients in arrears having an average household income of just £960 per month, less than 40% of the UK average.
What do we want to achieve?
- We want people to know that Citizens Advice Wokingham is here for them, to provide free, independent and impartial advice and information to help resolve your problems
- Work with Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to introduce a Council Tax Protocol which would include;
- WBC working with enforcement and Citizens Advice to help people pay their council tax bills while accessing debt advice
- All communication with residents about council tax to be clear
- For WBC to use the Standard Financial Statement when calculating repayment plans
- Flexible payment arrangements to be offered to residents
- For WBC not to use enforcement agents where a resident receives Council Tax support
- For WBC to publish their policy on residents in vulnerable circumstances
Wokingham Borough Council are leading the way with looking at how we can tackle this issue differently, holding joint-surgeries with ourselves and having an open door to new ideas. We are hopeful that by adopting the council tax protocol, WBC will demonstrate to our clients and other local residents that there is support out there and that we all want to help you as much as we can.
JAKE MORRISON
You can get help and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or visit Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk
