The Government has announced new plans to make council tax fairer, simpler and more supportive for families across the UK.
The changes, unveiled in a new press release, will make it easier for working people to manage their council tax payments. Under the proposed changes, bills would be spread over 12 months instead of the usual 10, making payments more manageable. An average Band D household could save around £38 per month.
The Government also aims to crack down on harsh penalties for missed payments, cap court fees and review when a household becomes liable for a full year’s council tax bill. These changes are intended to protect those falling behind and prevent debts from growing out of control.
In addition, the Government will review how bailiffs operate when collecting council tax debts and update support available for vulnerable people. This includes looking at the definition of the Severe Mentally Impaired exemption and exploring improvements for care workers and apprentices.
More information will be added to council tax bills to make it clearer where the money goes and what help is available. The new measures are part of the wider Child Poverty Strategy and a drive to modernise a system that has been largely unchanged since 1993.
Council tax funds more than 800 vital public services every day. These reforms aim to help families better manage their payments while supporting councils to deliver vital services.