In response to a media enquiry for a forthcoming news article regarding the Council’s use of collection agents for Council Tax debts, Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Liberal Democrats oppose Council Tax in principle because it is an unfair and regressive taxation model. But, along with Business Rates, it forms a significant part of the Council’s ability to fund critical services.
“The Conservative government’s funding of local government has been based on continual and unsustainable increases in Council Tax. But times really are tough and, despite the noise from government, the cost-of-living crisis is likely to be around for a while yet, and we understand that some residents are still really struggling.
“This is why in Stockport we have a Council Tax discounts scheme intended to support those who need it most. For example, we provide up to 100% Council Tax relief for eligible residents in up to band B properties and, unlike other authorities in Greater Manchester such as Salford, we do not seek Council Tax at all from those who clearly cannot afford to pay it. Our 100% Council Tax relief also now extends to care leavers up to the age of 25.
“It’s also why we have advice and support services to help people maximise their income, provide crisis support, and help them with longer term money management. We’ll keep working to find ways to ease the burden on those on the lowest incomes here in Stockport.
“It is, however, very important to make sure that those who can pay, but simply refuse to, do pay their fair share, along with everyone else.
“It is interesting that Stockport Labour are raising this issue now as this isn’t a new situation. From the FoI data you have received you can see the final two years of collections under Labour before their administration ended in May 2022.
“There has been no change to the agency used or the process for collections since the current Labour Group Leader was in the Cabinet himself. There has been a shift, however – the number of cases referred to a collection agency has been lower in the past two years, reflecting Liberal Democrat emphasis on early support and targeted, enhanced Council Tax relief.
“Recognising that there’s still work to be done, though, we have already been working towards adoption of the Citizens Advice Bureau Council Tax Protocol, which will happen shortly. Labour could have adopted the Protocol during their six years as an administration, but they clearly did not believe it was a priority at that time.”
Council Tax debt collection
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