Tears ran down my cheeks as bailiff knocked on my door when I got behind on bills after my baby died
A GRIEVING mother has described the intimidating moment bailiffs turned up at her door after she fell behind on her council tax bill.
Jess King, from Yorkshire, fell behind on her priority bills after losing her newborn baby, but she isn’t alone.
She told ITV News: “I had a bailiff turn up at my house, and I had my little girl with me at the time. I got very upset; I was crying.
“My daughter was so scared – she was clinging to me; hiding behind my legs.
“She was asking who the bad man was because it’s very intimidating; they have quite an aggressive tone. Stood in my doorway; wouldn’t leave.”
It comes 600,000 people were referred to bailiffs for not paying their council tax on time.
The data came from a Freedom of Information request by ITV News which asked 100 of the country’s biggest councils about council tax arrears.
The responses revealed that the total amount owed in council tax arrears has increased by over 70% in the past five years.
Last year alone, over one million people received a court summons because they were in council tax arrears.
Council tax is known as a priority debt.
Failure to repay priority debts means that you could lose your home, have your energy supply cut off, lose essential goods or go to prison if you don’t pay.
Councils can also subject those in arrears to speedy debt enforcement through a bank arrestment as a means of recovering payment.
Commenting on the latest figures, the Local Government Association said: “Enforcement agents should only ever be used as a last resort.
“Before the situation reaches a stage where enforcement agents are involved, several letters should have been written, people should have been encouraged to apply for financial support, and efforts should be made to arrange new payment plans.”
Most households pay their council tax in monthly instalments over 10 or 12 months, but if you fall behind you can be asked to pay all the outstanding balance at once.
But struggling households can get help with council tax bills and if you’re worried about falling behind then it’s worth checking out what you could get.
If you can’t pay your council tax bill it’s best to let the council know immediately rather than putting it off.
They may be able to signpost you for extra support that you could be eligible for.
What council tax support is available?
THERE are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn’t have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
Can I pause my council tax payments?
Struggling households can pause council tax payments and other bills for 60 days.
The breathing space scheme protects hard-up Brits from bailiffs and prosecution for two months.
The scheme does apply to council tax arrears and other outstanding debt, including tax, benefit overpayments as well as credit cards and loans.
During this time, households will receive professional debt advice to find a long-term solution to their financial difficulties.
You can find out more about who’s eligible and how to apply.
How to get free debt help
THERE are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.
- Citizens Advice – 0800 144 8848 (England) 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
- StepChange – 0800138 1111
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 4050
You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting MoneyHelper.org.uk or Gov.UK.
Speak to one of these organisations – don’t be tempted to use a claims management firm.
They say they can write-off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee.
But there are other options where you don’t need to pay.