Martin Lewis has expressed being 'genuinely moved' after the government announced a crackdown on aggressive council tax debt collection methods. The Money Saving Expert, who has campaigned for reform, described the changes as a 'huge first step towards making things better'.
Under previous rules, councils could demand payment for an entire year just two weeks after a single missed monthly payment, leading to additional costs and court action for many. The new regulations will give households 63 days to settle payments and cap administrative costs at £100.
Lewis said: 'Council tax debt collection is so aggressive it’d make banks blush. It’s the most vicious and damaging form of legal debt collection out there – causing counterproductive misery for millions.' He added that while a longer period and lower cap would be ideal, the change to a 33-year-old process is hugely welcome.
The government will also extend council tax billing from 10 months to 12 months, allowing households to spread costs across the year. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed stated: 'Too many families are facing aggressive enforcement action... We will stop this and make the system fairer by supporting families who fall behind.' He thanked Lewis and his charity for their campaigning.
