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Children hit by council tax debt
AN estimated 2,285 households in Maidstone struggled to pay their council tax last year – with a knock- on effect on almost twice thatnum- ber of children. A report by The Children’s Soci-
ety reveals that council tax debt is widespread, with almost 216,000 children in the South East living in 124,000 familieswhohave fallen be- hind with their bills. In Maidstone, the society esti-
mates 3,907 childrenwere affected. Rather than helping them get
back on their feet, local authorities are threatening struggling house- holds with court action and sending the bailiffs in, according to the re- port “The wolf at the door: How council tax debt collection is harm- ing children”. A spokesman for Maidstone council said: “The council works hard to support any residents expe- riencing financial difficulties. This includes referrals to debt advice agencies, targeted advice through the charity ‘Step Change’, and a
council tax reduction scheme that provides financial help for low in- come households. “We also facilitate the Maidstone Financial Capability Partnership, bringing together public, private and voluntary and community sec- tor partners to help residents who are in financial difficulty, or are looking to manage their money. “We encourage any resident ex- periencing difficulty paying their council tax to contact us as early as possible so that we can work to- gether to find a solution. “Enforcement agents are used as
a last resort, and only where an agreement for payment could not be reached and all other recovery methods have been exhausted. “We only employ certified en- forcement agents who operate to a clear code of conduct. Performance is monitored, and any complaints received are investigated.” Financial advice is available at
www.maidstone.gov.uk/moneyad- vice
Chairman Mike
FitzGerald, Gloria Adams, Michelle Springate and KCC chairman Cllr Peter Homewood
Legion members honoured
AWARDSwere presented in recogni- tion of long service and support of the Sutton Valence and district branch of the Royal British Legion. Guest speaker at the annual meet-
ing and dinner, held at theWeald of Kent Golf Club, Headcorn, was Cllr Peter Homewood, chairman of Kent County Council. The Peter Davies Shield was pre-
sented to the Queen’s Head pub, Sutton Valence, for its unstinting support for the branch. The Shrimpton Trophy was
awarded toValerie Higginson for her successful poppy collection last year, while the Harbridge Trophy went to membership secretary GloriaAdams for commendable service. A special award was given to
Robert Adams,whosteppeddownas branch chairman last year and was honoured for his hardwork, commit- ment and dedication. Robert is recovering froman oper-
ation and the awardwas received by his wifeGloria and daughter Michelle Springate.
Business group’s new venue
THE Walnut Tree in Yalding is the new breakfast venue for the meet- ings of the Network of Rural Business Forums. The meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of each month. More
than two dozen members attended the first breakfast at the new venue. A new NRBF committee has been elected under the chairmanship of Elaine Collins, with business consultant Bob Sancto as vice-chair. A programme of social events has been drawn up for the rest of 2015
and entries are now being taken for the 2015/16 directory. For further details, visit
www.nrbf.co.uk
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