Westminster Labour calls on the Council to end the use of bailiffs for Council Tax debt

Times are hard for families in Westminster, and many are struggling to pay rising bills.

To often the use of bailiffs can make life harder for people at difficult times and, as noted by the Taking Control campaign, too often they overstep the mark in the performance of their duties.

If Labour wins in the May 2022 council elections, not only will we freeze Council Tax until 2024 and cut out wasteful spending like the £6m Marble Arch Mound, but we will stand on the side of those most in need by following the pioneering work done by Hammersmith and Fulham and Bristol Councils by introducing an ethical debt collection service for Council Tax debt that replaces bailiffs with targeted support for struggling families.

We know that this method has actually improved collection rates by helping, rather than threatening, those who fall into debt.

Westminster Labour Group Leader Cllr Adam Hug said

“Labour is on the side of our residents in difficult times and ending the threat of bailiffs for council tax debt is just one part of how we plan to build a fairer future for Westminster.”