More than 8,500 Cheshire West council tax cases referred to bailiffs
New research suggests Cheshire West and Chester Council referred more than 8,500 council tax arrears cases to enforcement agents in 2025/26, as outstanding council tax debt continu
By Chester Standard
More than 8,500 council tax arrears cases in Cheshire West were referred to bailiffs during the last financial year, according to new research highlighting the scale of household debt pressures.
Figures obtained by National Debtline indicate Cheshire West and Chester Council referred more than 8,500 cases to enforcement agents during 2025/26.
The figure comes from the debt advice charity's research rather than independently published council statistics.
Across England, councils referred an estimated 1.72 million council tax arrears cases to bailiffs during the same period.
That was only slightly below the 1.74 million recorded during the previous financial year.
National Debtline has raised particular concerns about the treatment of households receiving Council Tax Support, which is intended to help people on low incomes with their bills.
Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that receiving Council Tax Support does not automatically prevent a case from being referred to enforcement agents.
Nationally, just 26 of the 317 councils covered by the research said people receiving Council Tax Support were exempt from bailiff action.
That compares with 35 councils the previous year.
The charity is calling for councils to reconsider their approach to collecting debts from residents already identified as requiring financial assistance.
Council tax arrears have also continued to accumulate.
Outstanding council tax debt in the Cheshire West area has reached £34.4 million, according to figures cited in the research.
Across England, total arrears have risen to approximately £7.4 billion, compared with £6.6 billion a year earlier.
National Debtline says council tax has become one of the most common debts faced by people seeking its help.
Edward Ware, from the charity, said around a third of its clients are dealing with council tax debt and called for greater use of affordable repayment arrangements before enforcement action is considered.
Cheshire West and Chester Council's recovery procedures provide several stages before a debt can be passed to enforcement agents.
Residents who miss council tax payments can receive reminders and may be offered payment arrangements.
In some circumstances, outstanding amounts can also be recovered through deductions from earnings or benefits.
Where those options are unsuccessful or unavailable, the council can obtain a liability order and ultimately refer the debt for enforcement.
Additional charges can be added once enforcement agents become involved, potentially increasing the amount a household must repay.
The figures come as councils across England attempt to balance the need to collect council tax, which provides important funding for local services, against concerns about placing further financial pressure on households already struggling with essential bills.
For Cheshire West residents experiencing difficulties paying council tax, contacting the council before arrears progress through the recovery process can provide an opportunity to discuss payment arrangements and check whether any reductions or support are available.
Independent debt advice organisations can also help residents understand their options before debts reach enforcement.