Cardiff Council is missing more than £11 million in unpaid council tax for the current financial year, with millions more owed from previous years, according to figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The council is currently missing £11,478,837 in council tax arrears for the 2025/26 financial year. Older arrears stand at £6,228,609 for 2024/25, £3,289,092 for 2023/24 and £2,007,070 for 2022/23.
Collection and arrears breakdown
These figures are not cumulative, and they decrease the further back they are dated because the council has had more time to collect the arrears. In the last 12 months, the local authority collected £2,988,661 in outstanding council tax, according to a response to a written question submitted ahead of a Cardiff Council meeting.
Council tax arrears are uncollected payments for a local council tax bill, essentially money owed to the council from people living in its authority area. This debt is classed as a priority debt, meaning it carries stricter legal consequences than other common debts like credit card arrears, and councils have faster enforcement powers to recover it.
Council response and recovery action
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council told the LDRS: “Council tax is a vital source of funding for local services, with £287 million collectable in Cardiff this financial year and £148 million already collected as of the end of September.
“The vast majority of Cardiff residents pay their council tax on time.
“We recognise, however, that some residents can find themselves struggling financially. Our priority in those circumstances is always to encourage residents to engage with us as early as possible.
“We can work with people who are struggling to pay and help ensure they are claiming any benefits, discounts or other support to which they may be entitled. Where appropriate, payment arrangements can also be put in place.
“Recovery action is proportionate and enforcement is a last resort.
“Where council tax remains unpaid, the council will issue reminders and a final notice before further recovery action is taken. If the debt remains outstanding, the council can apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a liability order, which enables a range of further recovery options to be used.
“Since October 2025, Liability Orders totalling approximately £19 million have been granted.
“Through a range of recovery methods, including payment arrangements, deductions from earnings or benefits, enforcement agents, charging orders and, where appropriate, bankruptcy proceedings, approximately £5 million has been recovered to date.
“A further £3.5 million is currently subject to active recovery processes, while the remaining £10.5 million continues to be actively pursued through the appropriate recovery and enforcement channels.
“We encourage anyone struggling with money worries to contact our Money Advice team for free assistance and advice on managing debt, maximising income, and claiming benefits.”
