Council tax debt on the rise across Norfolk, as bailiff visits increase by almost 12%
This morning, Norfolk Citizens Advice spoke to BBC Norfolk about the growing problem of council tax debt across the county.
New figures highlighted by National Debtline show that Norfolk County Council is currently owed £62 million in unpaid council tax. Speaking to BBC Norfolk, Jack Šporčić from National Debtline revealed that bailiff visits to homes across the county have risen sharply, from 22,822 last year to 25,527 this year, which is an increase of 11.9%.
The areas seeing the highest levels of enforcement action are Norwich City and Great Yarmouth.
Council tax arrears is one of the top three debt issues people have, alongside credit card debt and energy bills.
A growing problem for local households
In the last 12 months, Norfolk Citizens Advice has helped more than 12,797 clients across the county, dealing with over 10,000 debt-related issues. Through this work, we've helped move £5,402,155 worth of debt onto more manageable terms for local people.
The ongoing cost of living crisis continues to be a major factor, with more people finding themselves in debt as household income fails to keep pace with essential outgoings.
Key advice for anyone struggling
Stuart Dark MBE from Norfolk Citizens Advice shared some essential tips for anyone worried about council tax arrears:
Don't ignore it - Council tax arrears can lead to serious enforcement action, so acting early makes a real difference.
Get advice early - A debt adviser can look at your whole household budget, check what support you're entitled to, and help you find an affordable way forward.
Check you're paying the right amount - Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction, a discount, or other financial support.
Stuart added: "There is no stigma attached to reaching out for help. It's confidential, and the advice we give is bespoke to your circumstances."
Don't wait for the bailiffs
If you're struggling with council tax, don't wait for the bailiffs to arrive. Get independent debt advice as early as possible. Find help here.