‘Cruel and archaic’ prison threats over council tax must end – charities
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A coalition of organisations, including debt help and mental health charities, has written to the Government, calling for an end to the “cruel and archaic” threat of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax in England. StepChange Debt Charity, Christians Against Poverty, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute and the Money Advice Trust are among those who have put their names to the letter.
It coincides with the release of research commissioned by StepChange, indicating that nearly a quarter (23%) of adults are worried about their ability to pay council tax over the next six months. Women, single parents and those living with mental health problems disproportionately bear the brunt of this escalating affordability crisis.
Nearly a third (31%) of people surveyed meanwhile are concerned about their ability to pay energy bills. A third (34%) of new StepChange clients responsible for paying council tax were behind on this bill in December 2024, at an average amount of £1,937.
The letter calls for “the removal of the unjustified sanction of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax in England” to be set in motion. It says the threat of imprisonment is frequently overemphasised in communications and used as a scare tactic, often aimed at the most vulnerable groups.
The letter says: “Women, single parents, and those living with mental health problems disproportionately bear the brunt of this escalating affordability crisis. We’ve heard from many who, while trying to keep up with council tax, have missed other priority payments, taken on extra borrowing and cut back on essentials.
