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Opinion
Concerns raised over council tax collection
There debt charities have called on the government to change ‘ineffective’ regulations on how councils collect council tax arrears to protect households who have fallen behind due to coronavirus. Citizens Advice, the Money Advice Trust
and StepChange Debt Charity fear that with council tax enforcement measures likely to restart soon, many residents who are already struggling as a result of Coronavirus will soon face harsh enforcement methods pushing them deeper into financial hardship. Citizens Advice estimate that over 2
million people have already fallen behind on council tax bills as a result of Covid-19, while people in the ‘shielded’ group are four times as likely to fall behind on a household bill compared to those not at increased risk from the virus. 2.2 million households were already behind on their bills before the start of the outbreak. The three charities now welcomed the
government’s temporary ban on bailiff visits to enforce debts during Covid-19 restrictions but are concerned there will be a sudden escalation of enforcement when this lifts. To prevent this, they are calling for the
government, as part of its Covid-19 response, to take the following measures: l Introduce a ‘pre-action protocol’ for councils to follow before beginning to enforce council tax recovery. This would include a requirement to set up an affordable repayment plan. l Encourage councils to collect debts over more than one year by changing collection rate targets. l Stop people becoming automatically liable for their entire annual bill when they fall behind on installments. l Provide more hardship funding to councils to reduce council tax arrears accrued as a result of Covid-19.
Joanna Elson Chief executive, the Money Advice Trust
Finalists revealed for industry awards
Some of the most outstanding industry professionals and companies have been acknowledged as the finalists were announced in this year’s Credit Excellence Awards, in association with Arvato Financial Services, as CCRMagazine went to press. The shortlists highlight all that is best in the
industry, with finalists ranging from individual professionals to the largest firms. Finalists include lenders, technology firms, collection agencies, commercial credit professionals, data solutions, and many more. Stephen Kiely, editor of CCRMagazine,
said: “With everything happening within the industry and our wider society, we felt that it was particularly important to recognise and validate the very best in our industry. “The Credit Excellence Awards, in
association with Arvato Financial Services, play a key part in recognising true industry excellence and, as the economy starts to open up again, we will need to focus on what is very best about what we do.” Debbie Nolan, vice president collections –
UK, Arvato Financial Solutions, added: “Congratulations to all the finalists – this a real achievement and I would like to put on record my gratitude to all the judges for continuing with their diligent work in these unique circumstances.”
Commercial Credit & Collections l The Right Fuelcard Company l Valor Hospitality Credit Management Team l Graydon Insights
Legal & Enforcement l Brachers l Mortimer Clarke Solicitors, part of Cabot Credit Management Group l BW Legal
Collections l United Utilities l Business Stream, Credit Management Collections, Recoveries and Third Party Team l Darcey Quigley & Co
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www.CCRMagazine.com
Credit Excellence Awards2020 in association with
Contribution to the Industry l MyJar and Aptean l CoCredo l Mike Segall FCICM
Compliance l Ascent Performance Group l Equiniti Credit Services, Risk and Compliance Team l ZZPS
Best Use of Technology l Webio l SmartSearch l ezbob
Risk, Data and Fraud Prevention l Credit Kudos l Destin Solutions – HUB Fraud Solution l LendingMetrics
Newcomer to the Credit Industry l Ryan Jones, Adecco Group UK&I l Lowell Group l TurnKey Lender
Export & International l Cedar Rose International Services l Adecco Group l Chris Greisberger, head of risk, Acer
June 2020
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