New figures show the civic centre has almost doubled its use of bailiffs since 2018/19, reports James Cracknell
Enfield Council has said it is “duty bound” to pursue debts – in response to criticism for nearly doubling its use of bailiffs in five years.
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed Enfield referred 29,959 debts to bailiffs in 2022/23 – a 95% rise since 2018/19 – prompting renewed calls for improvements to be made to the council’s debt collection practices.
National Debtline, a free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, has written to the civic centre urging it to commit to improve the way it collects council tax arrears and other debts.
Across England and Wales, 2.71 million debts were referred to bailiffs by councils during 2022/23 – broadly unchanged on pre-pandemic levels – with Enfield being among the 41% of local authorities that have increased their overall use of bailiffs in that time.
The findings form part of wider research into council tax debt and collection practices published by the Centre for Social Justice, which reveals that 1.3 million households fell behind on their council tax bill in 2022/23.
Bailiffs, known officially as enforcement agents, have the right to visit a property and can remove and sell goods to repay certain debts, including council tax arrears, parking penalty charge notices and other debts.
A council spokesperson said: “We know that this is a difficult time, with many residents facing rising living costs. Enfield Council has a team of staff in place to provide support for those who may require welfare advice and debt support, and we will always treat our residents fairly and with compassion.
“We would urge anyone who may not be able to pay their bills to contact us at the earliest opportunity, so we can work with them and ensure they are claiming the benefits they may be entitled to and are accessing local support.
“For residents who have not been able to pay, we offer repayment plans in preference to proceeding with recovery actions such as bailiffs.
“Councils rely on council tax to pay for the vast majority of crucial services we provide. Most people pay their contributions on time.
“However, in those circumstances where residents do not pay, we are duty bound to pursue monies owed so that residents who have paid their council tax in full and on time don’t have to pick up the bill for those who haven’t done so – either through future council tax increases or reductions to their services.”
Earlier this year, Enfield Civic Centre agreed changes to its council tax support scheme which saw the maximum level of support reduced from 75% to 50%. But National Debtline is calling for national changes from the government to help reduce and reform bailiff action, including through new ring-fenced funding for local authorities to provide 100% council tax support schemes for those on the lowest incomes.
National Debtline is also calling on Enfield Council to adopt all of its ‘six steps’ to improve collection practices.
Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, said: “Local authorities remain under significant financial pressure and council tax plays a crucial role in funding vital local services.
“Facing bailiff action, however, can be a distressing experience and risks pushing people already struggling into deeper financial difficulty. Bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.
“Unfortunately, London Borough of Enfield’s use of bailiffs remains high – and our research shows the council is one of 41% of authorities which had increased bailiff use compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“Improving debt collection practices benefits not just people in financial difficulty, but councils too. We have written to the council with steps they can take so that fewer debts need to be passed to bailiffs in the first place.”
National Debtline offers free, indepedent debt advice:
Call 0808 808 4000
Visit nationaldebtline.org
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