Newly released figures from National Debtline and the Centre for Social Justice have revealed that East Devon District Council referred 756 cases (689 relate to Council Tax) debts to bailiffs in 2022/23.

The National Debtline is calling for improvements to be made to the council’s debt collection practices.

East Devon District Council figures, revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request, show the authority referred 766 debts to bailiffs in the 2022/23 financial year – a -40% decrease on pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19. 

National Debtline, the free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, has written to the Leader of East Devon District Council urging the council to commit to improve the way it collects council tax arrears and other debts.

The findings, based on Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, form part of wider research into council tax debt and collection practices published by the Centre for Social Justice, which reveals that 1.3 million households fell behind on their council tax bill in 2022/23.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Local authorities remain under significant financial pressure and council tax plays a crucial role in funding vital local services.

“Facing bailiff action, however, can be a distressing experience and risks pushing people already struggling into deeper financial difficulty. Bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.

“The fact East Devon District Council has decreased its use of bailiffs to collect debts is welcome, but there is still more to be done to improve debt collection practices for the benefit of both people in difficulty and councils.  We have written to the Leader to set out simple steps they can take to improve the way the council collects debts it is owed.

“We are also calling on the new government to support East Devon District Council and other councils by introducing ring-fenced funding to enable all local authorities to provide 100 percent Council Tax Support to households on the lowest incomes.

“I would urge anyone in East Devon struggling with their finances to get in touch with National Debtline as soon as possible. Our expert advisers provide free, impartial support and can help residents make a plan whatever their circumstances.”

In response to these claims, a spokesman for EDDC said: “East Devon District Council is committed to helping lift residents out of debt and poverty.”

“Since 2023, the council has provided a 100% reduction in council tax to the lowest income households in the district, with an up to 80% reduction available for those who fall outside that income bracket. Our dedicated Financial Resilience Team work directly with individual residents, in collaboration with partner agencies, to provide support, advice, and to solve root causes of poverty.”

“EDDC aims to distinguish between residents who cannot afford to pay council tax, and those who choose not to pay it. EDDC is continually reviewing its practices with the aim of reducing the use of enforcement agents. Less than 1% of East Devon’s Council Tax household debts are passed to enforcement agents, which is a lower proportion than other councils we have measured against. The council will always contact taxpayers by phone, email, or text to try and resolve cases without requiring further enforcement action.”