A CHARITY has urged Solihull Council to cut down on using bailiffs after there were more than 12,000 referrals in one year.
Solihull Council referred 12,183 debts to bailiffs in 2022/23, according to figures released by National Debtline and the Centre for Social Justice.
National Debtline, the free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, has written to Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council urging the council to commit to improve the way it collects council tax arrears and other debts.
The figures, which were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request, show a 29 per cent increase on pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19.
Money Advice Trust says bailiff use remains too high, with action needed to improve collection practices so that fewer debts are sent to bailiffs in the first place.
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 per cent Council Tax Support schemes for those on the lowest incomes.
Locally, the charity-run service is calling for Solihull 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, 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, Solihull Council’s use of bailiffs remains high – and our research shows the council is one of 41 per cent of authorities which had increased bailiff use compared to pre-pandemic levels.”
Solihull Council said it takes a number of steps prior to referring cases to bailiffs via a liability order.
A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “The figures reached a peak following Covid, when recovery action was suspended and fewer cases were passed due to court restrictions. Our 2023/24 figure has reduced and we anticipate that this will continue.
“Prior to seeking a liability order, where a resident makes contact the Council follows a number of steps, including assessing income and expenditure, considering whether the resident (or anyone else) in their household is vulnerable, referring (where possible) to our Council Tax Reduction Support scheme or to a free debt advice organisation.
“The Council takes these steps in order to prevent recovery escalating, with a view of reducing any further costs or fees. Furthermore we have a financial inclusion team that take referrals internally and from our partners if further support is needed.
“Our message is we are here to help and would encourage any resident experiencing issues with paying their council tax to contact us at the earliest opportunity.”
National Debtline offers free, independent debt advice on 0808 808 4000 or online here.
