In two weeks the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is going to announce what’s in the UK budget. It’s critical that it’s a budget which will help the 10 million people who are currently facing crushing debts as a result of the cost of living crisis.  

Council tax debt in particular has exploded in recent years and currently stands at a whopping £6.6 billion. And to make matters worse, one missed payment can lead to a visit from the bailiffs. Families up and down the country are fearing a knock at the door, just as we head into Christmas.  

That’s why we think it’s time the government brought in a fairer system, stopped using bailiffs to collect council tax debt and instead supported people to get out of debt for good. friend can you take two minutes to email your MP in support of the campaign?  

Across the UK 1.7 million referrals for bailiff visits were made by local authorities over the last year, and we know the damage they can cause.  

Dean Burn, a member of our Manchester campaign group told us: “Using bailiffs is an outdated and harmful way to treat people in debt. While bailiff firms profit from the hardship they create, those struggling to keep up with rising bills endure soul destroying stress and extra costs. All while bailiffs return very little to councils. Local councils need to change. Stop punishing people in debt, help them instead.” 

Help make sure we get a budget that puts the needs of people on the frontline of the cost of living crisis first, and that the government puts an end to this outdated practice.

We heard recently that the government is reviewing how council tax is collected, and thousands of us fed into a government consultation. It’s crucial that we keep up the pressure to try and make sure ministers actually bring in changes that will support people in debt, not penalise them. 

In solidarity,
Zak, Eva, Toby and all at Debt Justice