Over 4.4 million households in the UK are at risk of unpaid council tax debts
Liverpool: So, it turns out that 4.4 million households in the UK haven’t paid their council tax. A property firm called Sell House Fast dug up this info, and it’s a bit alarming.
All that unpaid tax adds up to over £4.4 billion! Can you believe it? This situation has pushed more than a million people into dealing with bailiffs. Liverpool City Council is at the top of the list, with a whopping £361 million in unpaid taxes.
Birmingham isn’t far behind, sitting at £194 million, and Hillingdon Borough Council has about £114 million. A recent survey showed that court cases for unpaid taxes have jumped by 14% from last year.
The government is urging folks to reach out to their councils if they’re having trouble paying. They can help set up a plan to spread payments over 12 months instead of the usual 10, which might ease the burden a bit.
There are also one-off discounts available if you’re really struggling. Plus, if you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you might qualify for a Council Tax Reduction.
If you miss a payment, your council will send a reminder giving you 7 days to pay up. If you miss another, you’ll have to cough up the whole year’s tax. And if you miss three payments, things could get serious with legal action.
