§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have plans to change current arrangements for the enforcement of debts against poverty level incomes and the penalties that can be imposed or threatened for rent and council tax arrears. [HL3098]
§ The Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Lord Rooker)There are no plans to change the current arrangements for the enforcement of council tax and rent debt.
Local authorities have a range of enforcement options which include the rescheduling of payments, attachment of earnings orders, taking a charge on the property or levying distress. For those debtors who have the means to pay but do not, local authorities can seek committal to prison.
The method of enforcement used is at the discretion of each local authority but we would expect them to act sensibly and sensitively with persons who are in financial difficulties. However, local authorities do have a duty to collect council tax and rent. If they do not act diligently it will have serious consequences to their revenue flows which could lead to higher council 38WA tax bills and rents, a reduction in services or both. This would not be fair on those who pay their bills regularly and on time.
For those people on low income help is available through the means-tested council and housing benefit systems. These can meet up to the full cost of their bills.