Northamptonshire charity calls on residents to beat the bailiffs on council tax arrears

The advice charity, which launched its 'Sort It Sooner' campaign in September, is reinforcing its message that early advice can prevent a manageable problem from spiralling into a crisis that could see enforcement agents at the door.

The message aligns perfectly with this year's Talk Money Week theme: 'Start the conversation'. The national campaign, run by the Money and Pensions Service, emphasises that talking about money openly and with confidence is the first step towards a better financial future - something the charity sees first-hand every day.

National figures released earlier this year from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government revealed a record £8.3bn in unpaid council tax across the UK. The data shows that total arrears have increased by 79% over the last five years, with the past financial year alone seeing an £802m jump.

While these are national figures, the pattern is being repeated at a local level across Northamptonshire, where councils are increasingly turning to enforcement agents to recover debts. With Treasury documents indicating council tax is expected to rise by 5%, the problem shows no sign of abating.

Paul Shepherd, Debt Advice Manager at Community Law Service, is urging people to seek help before enforcement action becomes inevitable. "We have direct contact at the councils with whom we can often arrange affordable payment plans to avoid the need for enforcement agents," he explained. "There is no judgement here. Anyone can have their situation change or fall behind on payments. The worst thing to do is not act to resolve it.”

Last year, Community Law Service handled 1192 debt cases, with debts totalling £29,087,299with £1,307,098 relating to council tax arrears.

Sarah Hayle, CEO at Community Law Service, says: "With the current cost-of-living pressures, getting support for money worries is more important than ever. People who talk about money make better financial decisions and feel less stressed and more in control. Talk Money Week is the perfect time to start that conversation.

We're encouraging everyone facing council tax arrears or indeed any debt issue to talk to us now, before things escalate. The sooner they reach out and tell us what's going on, the sooner we can help."

The charity offers free weekly debt advice drop-in sessions where people can see an adviser the same day, though Paul is keen to emphasise that people shouldn't wait even for that: "If you are worried, pick up the phone and talk to us today. In the spirit of Talk Money Week, talking helps - and talking to Community Law can help you sort it sooner."

• People can get help by calling 01604 621038 or emailing [email protected]
• Find outreach locations and services at: www.communitylawservice.org.uk

Follow the campaign on social media using #SortItSooner and help spread the message that early advice saves stress, money and hardship.