Council tax arrears owed to Wokingham borough council now stand at £5.168 million, according to figures released by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Additional figures provided by Wokingham borough council indicate the £5.168 million figure as at March 31, 2025, was a 22.98% year-on-year rise compared with the £4.202 million at March 31, 2024. On March 31, 2023, the figure was £3.4 million.
The figure of £5.168 million for Wokingham forms part of a national total, which has now hit £6.6 billion.
National Debtline said the £5,168 million is a significant local figure, indicating the impact that continuing cost-of-living pressures have had in escalating arrears levels in Wokingham.
National Debtline, the free independent debt advice service, is calling on anyone worried about their council tax bills to seek advice as soon as possible.
As council budgets have become more stretched, they are increasingly reliant on council tax revenue to fund essential services like social care, local schools and rubbish collections.
However, this has also led to higher bills overall, creating a vicious cycle for many people already struggling to pay.
Some 25% of people who call National Debtline for advice have council tax debt, averaging £1,958 per person, making it one of the top three most common debts its advisers hear about.
Recent Money Advice Trust research also reveals that as of March 2025, 2.2 million people in England (5%) were behind on their council tax bill, suggesting that many more people could be struggling with council tax arrears who have not yet sought help.*
Steve Vaid, chief executive at Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Unless changes are made at a policy level, arrears are likely to keep climbing.
“At National Debtline, we’re calling for improved collection practices, as well as greater investment in council tax support schemes, to prevent people falling behind in the first place.”
Current rules mean that households can become liable for their full annual council tax bill if they miss one payment, which often results in a quick escalation to bailiff action.
Last week, the government set out proposals to extend this period, so that people have more time to engage and seek support – something National Debtline has welcomed, after years of campaigning for this change.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Justice also announced plans to consult on giving an independent body, the Enforcement Conduct Board, legal powers to regulate the bailiff industry, with millions of council tax debts passed to bailiffs every year.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, executive member for finance and governance, said:“In Wokingham Borough, we continue to maintain one of the highest council tax collection rates in the country, with an in-year collection rate of more than 99% for 2024/25.
“However, we recognise that arrears are increasing over time. This is partly due to rising living costs and the number of homes.
“We’re committed to supporting those who are struggling financially, and our financial inclusion teams work directly with residents to provide tailored advice and help to prevent debts from escalating.
“Flexible and affordable payment plans are available, along with a range of financial support schemes.
“We encourage anyone who needs help to pay their council tax to get in touch.
“At the same time, we have a duty to protect public funds and will continue to take recovery action where appropriate, particularly where residents are able to pay but choose not to.
“We’re also exploring further ways to strengthen our collection approach, making sure it remains fair, supportive and effective.”
Steve continued, “Unwaveringly high arrears levels in Reading and across England underline the need for urgent action.
“Every day at National Debtline, we see how council tax continues to be one of the most common debts people face.
“Councils have a vital role in helping residents with unmanageable bills and to ensure council tax – crucial to funding local services – is collected in a way that is fair and affordable.
“I would urge anyone in Wokingham worried about their council tax, or any other bills, to seek free, independent advice from National Debtline.
“Our advisers are here to help and can talk you through your options.”
National Debtline provides free, independent, expert advice. Contact National Debtline for free on 0808 808 4000 or via www.nationaldebtline.org.
