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The use of bailiffs to recover unpaid council tax has increased significantly in recent years. Bailiff action can be stressful and confusing, and many people struggle to find clear, accessible support. This rise has prompted questions about why enforcement has grown and what changes are being proposed to make the system fairer.

Increased bailiff action linked to council tax arrears

Council tax arrears are now the fastest-growing form of debt in the UK. To illustrate the scale of the issue, 44% of people who contact us for help need support with priority arrears, including council tax arrears.

This increase has led to more households facing enforcement action and bailiff involvement.

Why people fall behind on council tax payments

People can fall into council tax arrears for many reasons, often due to sudden or unavoidable changes in circumstances, including:

  • Job loss or reduced income
  • Ill health or disability
  • Changes in household or caring responsibilities

Even short-term disruptions can quickly lead to enforcement under the current system.

Why council tax arrears escalate so quickly

Council tax debt is treated differently from many other bills. Under the current system:

  • After one missed payment, a council can demand the full year’s bill within around three weeks
  • If the balance is not paid within a further week, the council can apply for a liability order
  • A liability order allows the council to pass the debt to bailiffs for enforcement

This fast escalation leaves little time for people to recover financially or seek advice.

Investigations into council tax debt in England

 A BBC investigation[1]found that households in England owe £6.6 billion in council tax to local authorities. This surge in arrears has prompted campaigners to call for improvements to the recovery system, with a focus on creating a kinder, more supportive approach rather than relying on bailiffs.

Proposed changes to the council tax recovery system

Suggestions for reform include:

  • Slowing the collection and enforcement process
  • Taking personal circumstances into account earlier,
  • Limiting additional fees and enforcement costs

There are also proposals to create a service similar to Tell Us Once, allowing changes in circumstances to be shared automatically so council tax accounts can be updated more quickly and accurately.

The overall goal is a system that is easier to navigate and offers clearer, more flexible routes for people to repay arrears.

Routes to change: The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)

The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB[2]) has been established to provide independent oversight of the debt enforcement sector in England and Wales.

It’s aims include:

  • Improving how enforcement agents identify and support vulnerable people
  • Encouraging sustainable repayment arrangements for those who can’t pay in full immediately.

Why the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) exists

The ECB monitors practices that may cause harm to vulnerable individuals. When assessing vulnerability, they consider factors such as[3]:

  • Mental health conditions
  • Severe or long-term illness
  • Financial hardship
  • Domestic or economic abuse

As of 1 January 2025, the ECB also handles any new complaints made about the conduct of an Enforcement Agent or firm. If you feel you’ve not been treated fairly or promptly, you can make a complaint to the ECB.

Getting support if you face bailiff action

If you’re facing bailiff action, you don’t need to deal with it alone. Our advisors will talk you through your options and help you access appropriate support. Get debt help online or call us on 0800 316 1833 for a confidential call.

[1] Council tax: Households owe billions ahead of bill rise – BBC News

[2] Fairer system for debt collection to boost protections for financially vulnerable – GOV.UK

[3] Why Enforcement Needs to Embrace Shared Vulnerability Data