Recovery action ‘vital to protect services’ as thousands fall into council tax arrears

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed that 1,270 liability orders were granted at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 7), in one of the largest single-day enforcement actions in the county’s history.

The council made a formal complaint to the court involving 1,500 defendants over unpaid council tax. Of those, 85 accounts were settled prior to the hearing, and 142 cases were withdrawn, but the vast majority proceeded to formal enforcement.

Court records seen by The Pembrokeshire Herald show that the orders were granted under Regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992, following evidence given on oath by a council officer.

One in every 40 homes affected

There are approximately 48,200 homes in Pembrokeshire. With 1,270 orders issued in a single day, the figures suggest that more than one in every 40 households in the county were affected.

Council tax arrears in Wales have risen by 139 per cent since before the pandemic, with total debt across the country now standing at £263 million.

In Pembrokeshire, the council is currently owed £8.75 million in unpaid council tax. That figure has risen by around £370,000 in the last 12 months.

Council: Recovery is essential to maintain public services

In response to questions from The Pembrokeshire Herald, the council defended the scale of enforcement, saying the action was “in line with the Council’s recovery policy.”

A spokesperson said: “Receiving council tax income is vital if key services are to continue to be delivered to the citizens of Pembrokeshire.”

When asked what support was offered to vulnerable residents before enforcement, the council said it follows a set process:

• Reminder letters are sent when payments are missed,
• Further contact is made before the matter is passed to enforcement agents,
• If there is no response, the case proceeds to court.

The council added that its enforcement agents are “trained in dealing with vulnerable tenants and have a welfare team for appropriate cases.”

Help is available — but residents must act early

The council told the Herald that it “actively encourages residents to engage with the recovery team,” and that payment arrangements can be made.

A spokesperson added: “We will review each case and can agree payment agreements for the debt. We will advise taxpayers to claim any relevant discounts and/or apply for council tax reduction. We will refer them to Citizens Advice where they can obtain wider debt support.”

Pembrokeshire residents who are struggling to pay are encouraged to contact the council directly before the matter reaches court.

What is a liability order?

A liability order is a court order that gives the council legal powers to collect unpaid council tax. Once granted, it allows the council to:

• Instruct bailiffs (enforcement agents) to collect the debt,
• Deduct money from wages or benefits,
• Place a charging order on a property,
• Or in rare cases, pursue committal to prison for wilful refusal to pay. (Committal to prison for council tax debt is extremely rare. In Wales, the number of such cases is usually in single digits each year. Most councils avoid this route unless they believe someone is deliberately avoiding payment and ignoring court orders.)

Bailiff enforcement — your rights

Council tax debt is a priority debt, meaning it should not be ignored. However, residents have rights and protections.

• Bailiffs cannot force entry into a home for council tax unless they have previously entered peacefully and a Controlled Goods Agreement has been signed.
• They must not threaten to “break in” unless legally permitted to do so, and must leave if a vulnerable person is alone in the property.
• Fees are capped by law and must be clearly explained.

Support and advice

If you are struggling with council tax arrears:

• Contact Pembrokeshire County Council to discuss your options before the debt escalates.
• Ask about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, single person discount, or any exemptions you may qualify for.
• Contact Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline for free, independent help.
• If you are vulnerable, notify the council immediately and ask them to apply their safeguarding and vulnerability policy.

The Pembrokeshire Herald is continuing to report on the scale and impact of local council tax enforcement. If you have received a court summons or contact from a bailiff and would like to share your story, please email: [email protected]