Council Tax referral figures 'don't tell full story', says Cheshire West and Chester
CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has responded to figures released nationally for the number of bailiff referrals for council tax.
By Chester Standard
Cheshire West and Chester Council says figures showing a rise in council tax debts passed to bailiffs do not tell the full story.
The council responded after nationally released data reported by the Chester Standard showed more than 8,500 council tax debts were passed to enforcement agents in 2025/26, an increase of 47 per cent on the previous year.
A spokesman said the figures did not give the full context around how cases are referred, the safeguards in place before action is taken, and the work being done to reduce the need for formal recovery action.
The council said residents are encouraged to contact it early and agree a manageable payment arrangement before any referral is made. It added that alternative recovery options can be considered, including deductions from earnings or benefits where appropriate.
It said referral to an enforcement agent is a last resort where other options are not available or have failed.
The council also said there are extra safeguards for people receiving Council Tax Reduction, although that support does not automatically stop recovery action if council tax remains unpaid.